Brian Cochran wrote:

>
>
>  I let the van sit a couple days and upon starting a had a noticeable
> clatter.  I tried to ignore it and it did go away after about 20-some
> miles and hasn't returned in subsequent startups.
>
>  How about the clatter?
>
>
Brian, if the valves are adjusted correctly (flat) and you have run it,
the run it again, only to hear the lifter clatter again, then I suspect
your engine has the typical vanagon "flat lifter" syndrome. For what
ever reasons this is a characteristic of the engine. Maddingly
frustrating. It appears to be caused by the oil pressure being lost in
the oil galleries of the engine when it is shut off. A number of causes
of this condition can occur. Improper filter with inadequate pressure
relief spring can bring it on. A piece of trash in the oil in the
lifter, any number of things. There are a numbers of ways to attack the
problem. Some swear by including a pint to a quart of Marvins Mystery
Oil additive to the engine during oil changes. For myself I find that
religiosity with oil changes works .... using a Mahle filter of course!!

And sometimes nothing works but to change the lifter.

Good luck.

John Rodgers
88 GL Driver

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