some push rod covers even have a hole just for a tool to extend through,
to reach the allen screw plug.
I havn't found them to be 'the ultimate drain' though or anything like that.

the covers can be really hard to get off sometimes, depending on rust...
and whether the tabs are on a bolt or a stud.
I usually notch the mounting tabs to if under a bolt head, the bolt
doesn't have to be completely removed....
since often you take out an exhaust flange mounting bolt, and can spend
an hour getting it back in ..
due to tension on the exh. pipes.
heck ..I often only use one mounting tab ...
the covers are fine with just one mounting tab and the two lower bolts.

you'll also find replacing the oil cooler coolant hoses on a 2.1 is a
lot harder than it looks at first glance.
lots of 'VW Fun'.

On 9/15/2015 12:00 PM, John Rodgers wrote:
> Thanks Jeff. Cool tip. I've got plenty of time.
>
> John
> On Sep 15, 2015 4:40 PM, "Jeff Schwaia" <vw.doka@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> Cleanest would be to pull the push rod cover and remove the drain bolt
>> from the cylinder head.  It takes awhile due to the small drain hole, but
>> it's the lowest point on the engine.
>>
>> Cheers,
>>
>> Jeff
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
>> Of John Rodgers
>> Sent: Tuesday, September 15, 2015 10:31 AM
>> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>> Subject: Coolant Drain - 2.1 L
>>
>> I need to drain some/all coolant in order to replace hoses on oil cooler
>> and coolant pump. From a practical do-it-yourself point of view (picture
>> laying on your back under the van in the slightly slanted driveway) what
>> would be the best approach. Can't move the vehicle from where it sits.
>>
>> John
>>
>>