How difficult to pull the engine in a '78?

[mainstreetprod]

More than likely I will sell this bus as I bought it to shoot a couple of scenes in an indy film. That's now done and it's only value to me is as a promotional vehicle, but that's not possible as it overheats after driving a few miles over 30mph.

Obviously the resale value takes a big hit when it can't be driven more than a few miles, so I'm considering dropping the engine and addressing the cooling issue by stripping the tin, examining and cleaning the oil cooler and cylinders, and doing a "reseal" by replacing oil cooler o rings, pushrod seals and valve cover gaskets. I think the heads are fine since the engine runs fairly strong, but might pull them and check things out while I'm at it. I would also source and replace the missing lower tin pieces the previous "mechanic" didn't bother to reinstall.

I haven't pulled a VW engine since 1974 or so when I was 17 (that was a '68 bug). If I remember correctly It involved only getting the rear of the bus up a foot or so, removing the 4 nuts, disconnecting fuel lines, accelerator cable and a few wires and then dropping the engine to the rear and down with a floor jack. Am I missing something?

[KentABQ]

That covers the basics. But most in here will suggest pulling the tranny out with the engine. I followed their recommendations earlier this year, and it was a success for being my first time. Good luck!

Edit: And as long as you have to remove 2 CVs, you might as well clean and repack all 4. Very messy job, but important.
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-Kent-
1976 Riviera, 1.8l FI chrome yellow VAN - "Chloe"

"I must say, how can you be in a bad mood driving this vehicle full of vibrant color.
Cars of today are so bland in comparison. It's like driving a celebration!" ---WildIdea

Bus ownership via emoticons:
---williamM

[Sally the Bus]

http://www.ratwell.com/technical/EngineRemoval.html
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1973 Sunroof Transporter

[Randy in Maine]

[consvws]

Link

[CompleteHavoc]

Follow the Ratwell instructions... everything is listed in order... Did this 2 years ago with out any prior knowledge of VW's.

The wife freaked out, I have a history of losing interest when things go sideways... Ratwell made it so simple. Pulled the motor, cleaned out all the rats nests, powder coated shroud, tins, etc. installed in reverse.

Thing runs like a top - though I'm not sure about it being timed correctly... but that's my next thread...

[lil-jinx]

Before getting into this you may want trouble shoot why it,s overheating and how much time and money your willing to spend to make it right.A bus with a running engine,albeit one that over heats would be worth more then a bus with a engine in a box.
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https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=620186
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=668799
1974 Bay Westfalia. she likes to be called Ethel.
1968 Dune Buggy
1974 parts bus
A smart man learns from his mistakes,a very smart man learns from other's mistakes.

[Gregg in the 603]

Also, how do you know it's overheating? Do you have a gauge on it?
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1979 Mexico Beige Westy auto
Dirty Dover, NH

[mainstreetprod]

[Busstom]

I've pulled and installed countless engines, but so when it was time to do my first Type-IV, I followed the ratwell sequence, merely because I was dealing with F.I. And I left the trans in.

So in retrospect, the only thing I don't get is why ratwell instructs to remove the starter. Disconnect the wires to get the alternator wire (and MAYBE the F.I. relay wire) off, sure...but in the end, I'm just about 99.5% sure the starter could've stayed put.

[my59]

I drop it with the transmission so I can get at the shifter bushings. Using a MC lift and a wheeled floor jack, comes out no problem. Back of the bus needs to be a little over 2 feet off the floor.

The reinstall single handed means getting it all lined up, as it is tough to muscle it into place if it is not lined up right.
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my59: Well son, my grandfather died before I got to drive it, so does that answer your question?
our79: sunroof bus w/camper interior and 2.0 FI
Other:'12 Jetta, '77 Benz 300D, and a 74 MG Midget.

[Abscate]

You won't add any resale value to your Bus with a rookie refit.

Of course, if you want to get some experience, go for it.
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.ssS!

[busdaddy]

Oil burning off on a bus that's sat a long time isn't uncommon, especially if you've given it a tune up and awakened a dead cylinder or two that's accumulated extra scum while it slept.

You can pull enough tin to access the oil cooler and fins while the engine is still in the bus. If it's not pissing out a quart every time you drive it or has clutch issues consider jacking it up to a height where you can sit on a chair and lean into the compartment comfortably and doing the job in place.
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Rust NEVER sleeps and stock never goes out of style.

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