Last week I querried about how to replace cylinders onto pistons when the
cylinders insisted on coming off with the heads. Most responses were of the
"can't be done" variety. I have to thank Bill for telling me how to do it-he
did it with the motor IN his bus.
I'd have to say it was fairly easy and I did NOT buy some expensive,
use-once-in-a-lifetime tool.  I used a stainless hose clamp for a ring
compressor, and used a screwdriver, a 1/4 inch ratchet set with extensions,
swivels, etc, and of course a little patience. It took one hour not
including cleaning time to do the one side. My motor was on my bench.
Sure it would have been nice to have left the jugs on the pistons when I
removed the head, but that was virtually impossible. VW didn't realize that
my vanagon would be around this long--on newer models their recommendation
to leave the cylinders when removing the head is probably possible. It
wasn't on my well-used engine. (well glazed).
Thanks to all who responded, even those who said it couldn't be done. Of
course that inspired me to find a way!
Jay