Paul, don't go pass go just stop stop stop. Wait for the big boys and
girls to get off work and give you more advise. You can't just drop the
motor,the trans has to be dropped also. Find a good mechanic maybe three
or four and get their options. There are more than two dozen things that
could cause rough idle. Ask your self a few questions,what was the last
thing I did to the engine? and then back track. Did I buy gas at other
than normal places?When was the last time I changed the fuel and air
filters? Buy a manual and it will take you to a lot of other
possibilities. But don't drop that engine because Murphy is waiting and
as much as I want him to go away I don't want you to bite off more than
you chew ,so to speak.

Paul Borghese wrote:

>  Hi, Recently my 1985 Vanagon started idling rough (that is an
> understatement).  I bought a compression tester and checked the
> cylinders.  It turns out cylinder 4 has a compression of 75 while the
> others are >130.  After dumping some oil into the spark plug hole, the
> compression jumped to 175 then slowly fell back down.  So I want to
> remove the engine and take a look. Here is a few questions about the
> removal of the engine: 1.  How heavy is the engine.  Once I get it off
> the van, is it staying put?  Or can I move it around? 2.  What type of
> jack(s) should I use to remove the engine.  I have a hydraulic jack
> with a 6 inch plate on top.  Will that work or should I buy something
> else? 3. Once I remove the engine, does it take any special skill or
> expensive tools to rebuild an engine?  Is it something I should be
> able to do with a copy of the Bentley Manual?  Any ideas on where to
> buy replacement parts? Thanks, Paul Borghese