Hello again all!

I've been off the list for a while (computer died, and other sordid events),
but I'm back. And of course, I've got a problem :-)

My Vanagon's been running super smooth. Everything has been just great,
until yesterday. I started to go to work, then realized I have fogotten my
badge. So, I went back into the house and by the time I had returned to the
van, there was gasoline leaking out of the rear, where the line connects
above the starter, and it sounded like the valves were ticking (they haven't
ticked since I replaced the head gaskets about a year ago). So, I shut down
the motor and took the wife's car to work, since I was late already.

Today I found the cause of the gas leak, just an old fuel line. So I
replaced it and went for a drive. From the moment I started the van, I heard
that ticking again. It sounds like a valve tick, but a bit louder, coming
from the right head. So, I pulled the valve cover on the right head and
noticed a couple of things.

1. There was no oil at all in there. I've always found there to be at least
a little hangin around.
2. There was some kind of whitish goop on the underside of the valve cover.
I don't know if this is important, but the more info the better, right?
3. All the valves are adjusted correctly. I had though that maybe one of the
adjusters loosened, but nope.
4. There is a kind of squeaking noise coming from the engine while running
as well as the tick.

So, any ideas? I'm thinking this could be as simple as a bad oil pump or bad
as a main bearing or bent rod.

Thanks,

Don Preston
'87 Wolfie GL
~Betsy the Mp3 Bus~

BTW, I don't think I thanked you all the last time I was around for all the
help, so THANKS!!! I really do appreciate the great input from you all.