The ‘fear’ reference was just me not wanting to pull the crank pulley.  But after another unsuccessful go with the hammer today, I decided to get on with it, so I finished with the muffler on the floor and the tin out.  Now I need to put wheels on and get them on the ground to hold the torque, right?  Or is there a way to block the pulley?

Oil pressure on highway run with oil at 235F – 45 PSI @ 3900 RPM, 40 PSI @ 3000 RPM, and then idling at 12-13, with oil @ 230 right after.  87 2.1 with 170K.  Seems OK?

Thanks much,
gp

From: Dennis Haynes
Sent: Wednesday, June 17, 2020 2:30 PM
To: Gene P; vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: RE: Water Pump Pipes

Hopefully I’m offering more perspective than fear. For these small heat jobs a MAPP torch set will get it done. The small O2 and MAPP tanks get expensive fast. Success sometimes has its price. 
If you do end up removing the crank pulley consider replacing the seal and o-ring. If you have any oil pressure concerns this would also be the time to upgrade the oil pump. The GoWesty kit worth it as they add the o-ring seal for the front cover and test the pump shaft for fit. I’ve installed a few with no issues.