Circlip pliers... Not trying to be snarky, but that's what I use.

BTW, your next question will probably be: "how do I get the wrist pin out?".  You'll need a puller (a slide hammer will work, but it's a bit crude).

Cheers, 

Jeff

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Craig Cowan
Sent: Thursday, January 12, 2012 10:41 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Separating the Engine Case. Any tips?

Okay, so how do I get the pistons off? I see the wrist pin has to be pulled thought the water pump hole but what's the trick to getting that circlip off?

Sent from my iPhone

On Jan 12, 2012, at 12:11 PM, Tom Lambas <twlambas@gmail.com> wrote:

> Pull the pump body off - it spans both sides of the case.
> 
> Cheers, Tom
> 
> On Thu, Jan 12, 2012 at 10:08 AM, Craig Cowan <phishman068@gmail.com> wrote:
> So it seems I forgot to remove the oil pump. How the heck does it come out? I've got the cover off and the gears out.
> 
> Thanks!
> Craig
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
> On Jan 11, 2012, at 6:36 PM, "Chris S." <szpejankowski@gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> > I used a Type 1 case separator after I removed the oil pump. You did take out the oil pump, right? :-)
> >
> > Chris.
> >
> > Wyslane z iPhone'a
> >
> > Dnia Jan 11, 2012 o godz. 18:00 craig cowan <phishman068@GMAIL.COM> napisal(a):
> >
> >> I can't seem to split the engine case. I'm POSITIVE I got all the
> >> bolts/nuts off and was hoping to crack this case to get my broken
> >> connecting rod out. The case is shot.
> >> I'm ready to go in through the side..... : )
> >>
> >> I still have the flywheel and rear pulley on. Is that a problem?
> >>
> >> The broken connecting rod is going to be made into a tap handle.
> >>
> >> -Craig
> >> '87 SUNROOF SYNCRO WESTY
> >> BOSTIG
> >> '90 GL "New Bus"
> >> '85 Housing Unit
>