I am trying to help a friend over the net on this one.....any one have this
happen before?

Engine runs great, lifter WILL NOT shut up. Took it easy on the way to work
today - but found power OK, no real issues, just wish lifter would quieten
down.

That is the good news.

Remember the noise I initially thought was TO bearing, later to find that
hose hitting the alternator fan... Well it was not the hose in the
alternator fan....

Vehicle ran fine til I got to the Enka redlight. I slowed to a stop and put
the clutch in. I shifted from 4th back to 1st and it sounded like the damned
thing was coming apart. A LOUD roaring noise emanated from the tranny. I
immediately pulled it back out of 1st and the noise stopped. I could feel a
strong vibration in the gearshift. I cautiously attempted to shift to all 4
forward gears and upon entry into the gates, the noise resumed, and I could
feel some resistance in the shift lever. It must have been very loud because
the folks in the car next to me were looking over. Not really sure what to
do I pumped the clutch pedal several times in quick succession and when the
light turned green, I was able to put the car into first and resume driving
as normal - no noise. No problems at the next light. Then at the Sardis Road
light, same thing and I couldn't shift until I rolled a little. No further
issues to the lot.

Methinks something afoot with the clutch master or slave cyl... whatcha
think? Seems like pumping  the clutch pedal helps, like it needs bleeding.
BUT, I have never encountered this noise - definitely a bearing-type roar.
I would again suspect the TO bearing, but it does not do it all the time,
and when the trans is in neutral, there is no noise, regardless or whether
the clutch pedal is engaged or not - leading me to suspect something
internal in the trans.... YET it is intermittent, which seems to rule out
either, wouldn't you think???

Adam P
81  Westy "The Brick "
70 Single Cab "Whitey"
74 Beetle "Ol Yeller"
73 Transporter (STILL at paint shop)
1988 Vanagon Wolfsburg
1976 Transporter (New CA bus)
1974 412 "Goldmember"
Used Vanagon Parts for sale (mostly aircooled)