I think that's a fine idea ..
run the Type IV air-cooled engine while you work on your waterboxer one.

Nothing 'easy and obviously' comes to my  mind about the power steering
though ..
mounting a PS pump .

I think you could run it without PS pump and the steering rack wouldn't mind
.
Better not to do that probably ...but ....something to consider.

otherwise I don't see why not.

Scott
www.turbovans.com

----- Original Message -----
From: "Mike" <mbucchino@CHARTER.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, April 21, 2010 4:17 PM
Subject: Has anyone ever replaced a later WBX engine with an earlier
air-cooled Vanagon engine?

>I have a nice '83 2.0 ACVW Type 4 engine that I could install into my '87
> automatic Westy.
>
> I was considering temporarily installing it, to allow me to rebuild the
> WBX,
> the exhaust system, and the entire cooling system,with little or no
> downtime
> for this summer's camping season.
>
> I'd be able to have all  the removed components in my garage over the
> winter
> (or longer; if it takes me that long to raise all the funds to do it all
> properly).
>
> The engine I have for this is freshly-rebuilt (by me!), and I may throw on
> the dual 44 Webers and a header system that I have just for fun (I sold
> the
> injection).
>
> I do have a crossbar and all the tin, accy's, etc.
>
> What do you folks think?  What will be the hardest part?  Power steering?
>
> Mike B.