Hi everyone!
 First of all I would like to extend my thanks to everyone actively
involved in this list. I used to be subscribed for the longest time but
just couldn't afford the time anymore. However once I'll extend my
knowledge about this wicked marvel of german engineering I shall be able

to contribute, too. But now for something completely different...a man
with three noses... Naah, jests aside, here's my trouble:
I started my '84 waterboxer 1.9 up the other morning and noticed a loud
"clinking noise" coming from my engine. And it would persist even after
warm up. I since jacked her up in my backyard and went about finding the

source of this intimidating symptom. My odometer reads 130000 miles now,

and I bought it a year ago at 122000. I love this van, and I know this
love is gonna cost me dearly in terms of maintenance(duh...)
So I went about to do a compression test after determining that the
noise has got to come from either the #3 or #4 cylinder. All my
cylinders get 170-173psi, which I think is pretty good for such an older

semester van. I took the valve covers off since I suspect that it might
involve my heads, especially the lifters, but couldn't visibly conceive
any trouble. Do the hydraulic lifters wear out on these engines and need

replacement or could one of my valves be stuck?
?
?
I am almost positive it's my driver's side cyl heads causing this
rattle, but don't want to go about removing the heads without further
input. I don't think it involves my pistons or connecting rods, since
the noise is fairly  medium to high pitch and seems to be involving a
smaller mechanical part (than the pistons). Is there any tests, anything

to pinpoint? I consulted both the Bentley and Haynes but could not find
any help to diagnose...
Any help is greatly appreciated. Ok, only the usefully sound help and
advice actually is, but this would be the place, wouldn't it?

choreboy

'84 vanagon wolfedition