I hope you have better luck than I.
I had that same problem for years......period loud tapping sounds that would come and go.
It never lasted for more than 10 or 20 miles or so but man it was annoying.
I tried the following, and though it improved, it never went away completely.
  New lifters, new oil pressure relief spring, VW and K&N oil filters, Marvel Mystery Oil, Motor Flush and auto tranny fliud.
On the up side, the motor made it to 200K before it spun a rod bearing.
The lifter problem was just an annoyance in the end.

If you know which lefter it is you can always replace the factory pushrob tube wth a telescoping type.
That makes the job a lot earier.

>>> joe lucca <joe_lucca@HOTMAIL.COM> 5/7/03 >>>
Is marvel mystery oil the solution for a sticky lifter? that horrible
ticking sound comes and goes but lately it has been staying! somebody
suggested the marvel mystery oil. Can anyone offer any other suggestion? Is
it difficult to open up the pushrod tube and replace the lifter.

thanks
joe
1986 vanagon
buffalo, ny

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