The local VW dealer says I have a broken hydraulic valve lifter on cylinder
number one. This was after I asked them to diagnose a problem with my '85
1.9L engine cutting out and surging while driving (2000-3000 rpm). I already
knew I had a lifter problem, they knock pretty loudly but quiet down after
10 or 15 minutes. The cutting out and surging remains though.

So they're talking about a major tear down to accomplish the valve lifter
replacement...suggesting it might be time for a new engine since the repair
expense would be so high. I pulled out the Bentley and pointed to page 15.23
- "Valve lifters can be removed and replaced without engine removal and
without major disassembly". After a talk with the mechanic, the service
manager admits reluctantly that - yes, you can do a replacement with the
collapsible pushrod tube, but they never hold a seal.  It was an
uncomfortable moment because I caught him in a lie and he knew it.

My question to the list is : Can the hydraulic valve lifter be broken if the
valve quiets down after 15 minutes of operation? Isn't this just normal for
a motor with 150K miles? Would a broken lifter be able to cause the very
noticeable cutting out and surging problem? I thought the problem was with
the AFM or the injectors and an experienced mechanic with access to the
proper analyzer could come up with an answer, but I feel I just wasted $180.

Robert Capra
"85 Vanagon GL