>> Has anyone ever compressed the rings and slide on the cylinder liner
>> with the piston still attached?  If so, how?  Or has anyone removed the
>> piston in the conventional manner without any special VW tools?

> If I had to do this again I would rather buy a ring compressor that works
> from one of the excellent vendors who contribute to this list.

Just a reminder that I offer list members the use of all three VW tools
recommended in the Bentley manual for head gasket replacement/engine
rebuilding.  The cost is $20 for use of all three tools, plus postage, which
basically is just to help recoup at least some of the $400 I had to lay out
for the tools. I ask that you try to finish with them in a week or so, and
they are offered on a first come, first served basis. Of course, I do ask
that you purchase the engine parts you need from me if you would like to
make use of the tools.

- Ron Salmon
 The Bus Depot
 http://www.busdepot.com
 (215) 234-VWVW