I always had luck using one of the old VW lug bolt/sparkplug tools proped
with one side on the lower left  engine to transmission stud and the other
end wedged in the flywheel teeth.  Even worked on the old Type i's if
someone would stand on the appropriate side of the motor for ballast.  Ah
yes, shade tree mechanics forever.

Dimwitted Moose and Flying Squirrel
-----Original Message-----
From: Bulley <gmbulley@BULLEY-HEWLETT.COM>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Date: Wednesday, August 18, 1999 5:22 AM
Subject: Staying Clean & Flywheel Resurfacing

>Randy, the dirty accountant,
>
>If you have 187k on the flywheel it is a VERY good idea to have it
>resurfaced.
>
>At least on the type4 motors, (I don't know it is the same on the WB) you
>can alternatively lock the flywheel by inserting a fat screwdriver through
>the timing hole in the block into one of the vent holes around the back
>periphery of the flywheel. Have a helper hold the screw driver while you
>use a strong socket & long breaker bar to release the flywheel, which is
>torqued (again, T4) to 80+ lb/ft.
>
>As far as the cleanliness thing goes, there are a couple tricks that help.
>First, ALWAYS powerwash the underside of the van before working on it. I
>usually do this every few months, just to keep it free of road grime, but
>always use a thorough degreaser/powerwash in the areas I will work in...
>