Personally, I'd just do the head(s) and try not to disturb the cylinders
at all.
  Might be worth hooking up an actual oil pressure gauge before you
start, to see if it tells you anything alarming or reassuring.
You are using Mobil 1, right?

Larry A.

tabe johnson wrote:

>My old 2.1 engine sprung a leak through the head gasket at ~200,000km.
>Because of the mileage, I'm a bit concerned about the rod bearings.  I have
>no other reason to worry about the oil pressure.
>
>So - How doable is it to get at the rod bearings, but not break the case?  I
>don't have any special VW tools.  If I get the rods off, how do I inspect
>them?  Or do I just ship everything to Bob Donalds & put in whatever he
>sends me back?
>
>I have a vague recollection of someone compressing piston rings using...
>zap straps?  or something equally clever.  If I pull the cylinders, what
>is the accepted way of getting the pistons back in them?
>
>Or should I just leave well enough alone, redo the heads, and get on
>with life?
>
>
>tabe johnson/87 westy
>
>
>