Date:         Sat, 19 Mar 2005 17:44:33 -0800
Reply-To:     Mike Jeffrey <buddha@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Mike Jeffrey <buddha@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      '83 fan removal / header removal
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

I'm currently in the process of swapping all of my engine parts over
to a new block. While doing so, I ran into some problems that I wonder
if y'all could help me with :) This is an '83 air-cooled - I checked
the archives but couldn't find any relevant info.

First, when removing the exhaust system, I was unable to separate the
left-side headers from the head. I separated the muffler, left heat
exchanger, and catalytic converter from the system - the right side
headers are off, but the left side just won't budge. Is there a trick
to removing these? I can get a 2x4 in there for leverage, but am
afraid to use it as it will be levering against the pushrod tubes...

Also, my brain couldn't figure out how to remove the fan - every time
I tried to remove the bolt, the whole thing would turn. I didn't see
any obvious way of locking the fan in place so that I could remove the
3 bolts (the belt and alternator are removed). Any advice?

Thanks all for your help - looking forward to getting this thing back
on the road!

Mike
83 Westy air cooled