Ken, I concur with your observations.  Same thing happens in my '84.

John Lauterbach
Macon, GA
----- Original Message -----
From: "kenneth d lewis" <kdlewis@JUNO.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, January 08, 2001 10:06 AM
Subject: Clicking valves, my observations

>         Over the last nine years my transporter averaged about two lifter
> leak down events per year. The first time it happened I freaked, changed
> the oil, and all was well. I also recall it happened a couple of times
> when the truck was parked on an incline. Two weeks ago it happened four
> mornings in a row. Each day it would quit after ten minutes, like usual.
> On the fourth day, I had snake oil in hand (a first for me). I noticed
> the oil level was at the low mark on the dip stick.  Instead I just
> topped up the oil level, no more reoccurrences. This got me thinking.
>         After examining the internal geometry of a WBX engine I calculate
> the cam shaft and lifters are exposed when the oil level is at the low
> mark of the dip stick. Conversely, those components are submerged at the
> high mark.
>         Thinking back on the leak down events I believe they coincided
> with exposed lifters, either from being a quart shy or parking on an
> incline.
>         I feel confident this will not apply to everyone. Perhaps I have
> a lifter that is just weak; when left dry the oil leaks out under the
> right conditions. I will try and note if it is the same lifter every
> time.
>
> Drive Safely & Good Luck
> Ken Lewis    <Kernersville,NC>
> 86 VW crewcab;60 356B Coupe
> --------------------------------------------------
>
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