Water pump on a 2.1 is a three or four hour job. Requires dexterity, creativity, and colorful language.  IIRC, it requires a 6mm Allen wrench with the short end cut shorter.  

The job is pretty basic - just a lot of grunting and cussing. 

Karl Wolz
Sent from my electronic umbilicus

On Nov 21, 2012, at 7:30 PM, Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@GMAIL.COM> wrote:

> How many more of these 2400 mile round trips do you plan to do with this
> engine?  It might be wiser and easier to have it rebuilt, you are pushing
> the limit at 249k miles.
> 
> Water pump replacement is challenging.  Plan on a couple of days, don't rush
> it.  Then there is the system bleeding.....   I love the Libby Bong for
> that.
> 
> Good luck!
> 
> Stuart
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> Robert Clemmer
> Sent: Wednesday, November 21, 2012 2:32 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Water Pump
> 
> I was about to embark on my 4th non-stop 1,200 mile trip to FL this year
> when I heard a rattling sound in the back.  Investigation revealed the water
> pump about to let loose.  Only time I've ever replaced the water pump was
> when the engine was out to reseal the heads.   Now 12 years later I need to
> replace it with the engine in the car.  Any words of wisdom before I start
> this project.   "Vinny" is a young 91 2.1 with 249.9K on the clock.
> 
> 
> 
> Thanks for your advice.
> 
> 
> 
> Bob C
> 
> Perkasie, PA