I have had leaking exhaust manifold gaskets give the same problem.

John Lauterbach
'84 DL

----- Original Message -----
From: Choreboy <choreboy@CNMNETWORK.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, May 09, 2000 1:02 AM
Subject: '84 1.9l knocking rattle left sd of engine

> 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