I don't remember having this issue on my syncro so I'm throwing this out
there.  Is it possible to remove the plastic upper part of the oil filler
tube from the lower metal portion so I can drop the engine?  It's been a few
years but the tube on my sycncro was slightly cracked so it would just pop
off.  The one on I'm working on (non syncro-not that it really matters) is
real tight.  I don't want to break it my getting too aggressive.

Also, the used motor I have has a single contact sensor on the thermostat
housing.  The contact points towards the front of the van just for reference
and it's on the lower portion of the the thermostat.  Mine has two spade
connectors but this thing has a flat round disc shape (about 1/8 inch in
diameter) with a stud holding it about an 1/8 inch off the surface of the
sensor.  I'm thinking pure temp sensor but why mine is different from the
donor motor has me wondering.  I asked the PO that I bought the motor from
(he did a bostig conversion and damn is that thing SWEET!) what year the van
is so I can figure it out.  I'll probably end up swapping the thermostat
housing unless I have the cable/connector in the stash I bought.

thanks,

TJ
87 Wolfie
Melbourne FL