Tom,
Im not suggesting you remove the rods.  I know some people say to, but to
me, then you have a bearing job better left to when you split the case!

Rods still attached.
Remove the circlip's that hold the wrist pins.
Then remove the wrist pins using a tool like this
https://www.dropbox.com/s/nzp43gekwjteg5y/photo.JPG

Ignore the fact that the piston/rod are out of the case in this photo, it
can be done with them in the case.

I've seen it called a piston pin puller, the Bentley actually shows a
special VW tool to use, but I have never seen one in the wild- I made the
one in my photo from Home Depot parts- It works, I have used it twice now.

-Derek
1990 GL Automatic "Vikki"

On Mon, Dec 9, 2013 at 2:12 PM, Tom Carchrae <tom@carchrae.net> wrote:

> Thanks Derek, that option has been glaring at me and it is looking ever
> more appealing.  This route looks pretty straightforward too:
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSBQTkPh_SQ  (until you drop the nut)
>
> Tom
>
>
>
>
> On Mon, Dec 9, 2013 at 10:48 AM, Derek Burgess <ddb.graphic@gmail.com>wrote:
>
>> I know this isn't a direct answer to your question: but it's really alot
>> easier to pull the pistons, get them into the cylinders on a bench and
>> then
>> install the two together.  I think pulling circlip's and piston pins much
>> easier than trying to push a cylinder down over a piston still attached to
>> the rod.  Use rags to clog the cylinder bores, do not want circlips flying
>> down into the block.. "would not be funny" -Ben
>>
>>
>> -Derek
>> 1990 GL Automatic "Vikki"
>>
>>
>> On Mon, Dec 9, 2013 at 1:33 PM, Tom Carchrae <tom@carchrae.net> wrote:
>>
>> > Dear List,
>> >
>> > I am trying to get the rings compressed (with pistons attached to rods
>> and
>> > engine in the car).  I am currently in practice mode - using the old
>> rings
>> > but I am finding, as warned, this is bloody tricky.  Not to mention it
>> is
>> > getting awfully cold outside - my hands nearly froze to the cylinders
>> > yesterday (I am now storing them inside).
>> >
>> > Some observations:
>> >
>> > 1) I have a standard blue steel compressor: http://goo.gl/Eapbve (which
>> > has now been cut down as slim (width) as possible, thereby removing a
>> strip
>> > of steel that I could also use with a hose clamp) and it very nearly
>> fits
>> > (or maybe not) in the tight space between the water jacket and the
>> sleeve.
>> >  If you've used one in this scenario, where did you locate the
>> compressor
>> > ratchet mechanism when doing the last cylinder: top, bottom, side?  The
>> > bottom seems to nearly work.
>> >
>> > 2) Even if I were to get the standard compressor to fit, how on earth
>> will
>> > I remove it?  I would need to unwind it all the way and slide it out I
>> > guess?  Or unwind it so it fits around the cylinder?  I can see being
>> able
>> > to do that on the first cylinder, but that seems practically impossible
>> on
>> > the second one when there is no room.  If you've used the compressor (hi
>> > Alistair!), which route did you go?
>> >
>> > 3) It seems that the VW specific ring tool ( http://goo.gl/RdkUEp )
>> would
>> > be much easier to remove (but looks like fun job to get it to compress).
>> >  Alas, while it ranges from $5-10, it seems to be out of stock in Canada
>> > and about $30-40 to ship.  Bah.  I'm considering making one from the
>> steel
>> > I cut from the compressor.
>> >
>> > 4) I really liked the zip tie then cut idea from Angus Gordon.  I have a
>> > hose clamp, but tightening it would seem quite difficult.  I presume
>> that
>> > the way you would tighten a hose clamp is by going in the same access
>> hole
>> > (water pump/pipes holes) when you are doing the last cylinder?
>> >
>> > 5) It seems the sensible order to attach cylinders  would be first the
>> two
>> > on the rear/flywheel side and then follow by front/pulley side.
>> >
>> > I am considering dropping the engine, if only so I can (a) get better
>> > access, (b) haul the engine inside to be warmer or god forbid (c) admit
>> > defeat and take it to a shop who will roll eyes, cluck, and then likely
>> > punish me for my arrogance.  I guess most VW mechanics are used to some
>> of
>> > that.
>> >
>> > As always, thanks in advance for any illumination.
>> >
>> > Tom
>> >
>>
>
>