[Vwdiesel] Any last minute tips?

[Nate Wall]

Well, its getting near engine swap day(s) and I had trouble sleeping last
night, thinking about how all this will unfold. Honestly, I've never
removed a liquid-cooled automotive engine (but have done just about
everything else to automobiles and have removed many aircooled VW motors).

I've decided the best way to tackle this, is to follow the Bentley
procedure, where I remove the front of the Jetta and the radiator and
condensor (leave hoses connected) and use a "cherry picker" engine hoist
and remove the engine and tranny from the front. The biggest pain will be
keeping the A/C system intact and out of the way. I recall that for some
reason the A/C condensor mounting bolts that attach it to the radiator are
inaccessable because the radiator is in the way. Anyone know about this?
Bentley says to just remove the two upper radiator mounts and coolant hose
connections and to pull the radiator out.

That Bentley picture just looks too easy w/ the A/C compressor neatly
tucked out of the way w/ condensor and lines attached! . I think I may have
quite a bit of difficulty here.

I plan on replacing just about every wear item, except the hoses, starter,
and alternator. I have the TD injectors on order.

Tomorrow I go get mom's Ford Ranger (she also has a nice "new" 2000 Jetta
TDI, for once she listed to me on what to buy!) to go get the hoist Sat
a.m. Any last minute advice from those that have been there before?
Thanks,

--Nate