Totally normal, search the archives under "lifter noise" or just "lifter".
It will go away after a while.  If it persists for a long time (1/2 hour or
something crazy) be more concerned.
tx,
bmc  :)
Ben McCafferty
ben@volkscafe.com

Volks Cafe
1823 Soquel Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA  95062
831-426-1244
http://www.volkscafe.com

> From: Steven Gross <sgross@SOCCCD.CC.CA.US>
> Organization: South Orange County Community College District
> Reply-To: Steven Gross <sgross@SOCCCD.CC.CA.US>
> Date: Thu, 16 Jan 2003 13:47:21 -0800
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: loud valve ticking
>
> I let my 87 Westy sit unused for a couple of months.  When I started it up I
> heard some loud valve (I assume) ticking that I expected to go away after a
> few seconds, but did not.  Later I let it idle for awhile to get up to
> "operating temperature" and it still didn't go away.
>
> Any suggestions for the mechanically challenged before I take it to my local
> Mr. Fixit?
>
> Thanks in advance.
> --
> Steve Gross
> 86 Westy RIP
> 87 Westy
> 90 GL