Usually I keep the oil full, up to the max. This last oil change I kept it
halfway. After a bit of driving (over a thousand miles) I had clicking
valves for the first time in my experience of over a year of driving my
vanagon on a daily basis.......

>From: jhlauterbach <jhlauterbach@MSN.COM>
>Reply-To: jhlauterbach <jhlauterbach@MSN.COM>
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: Re: Clicking valves, my observations
>Date: Mon, 8 Jan 2001 19:09:39 -0500
>
>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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