In a message dated 9/1/03 1:34:49 PM, tp@WHSMITHNET.CO.UK writes:

<< replacing the offending lifter will solve the problem. >>

Replacing them is most likely a waste of money and time.  The lifters of my
first Vanagon, some 15 years ago, clacked like all hell had broken loose after
the first time it had sat for about a week.  Like everyone else, when I first
heard the tortured sounds coming from the engine, I thought for sure the end
of the universe was neigh.  Checking showed that 2 lifters had collapsed, so I
decided to replace them all.  A trip to the VW dealer ended that delusion
rather abruptly when the parts guy said, "Forty-two dollars . . . each".  After I
whined a bit, I beat him down to $29 and took two of them.

I bled the new lifters to within an inch of their lives, installed them and
adjusted them right on the nuts.  What a dismal disappointment when I turned
the key only to hear the racket once again.  I fussed around with them for a
while without running the van too much on the open road because I was sure that a
mechanical catastrophe was imminent.  About the time I was ready to give up,
I talked to an old school mechanic who said those three fateful words: Marvel
Mystery Oil.  Figuring what the hell, I dropped in a pint and when for a spin.
 Within 10 miles the sound of the now purring engine lifted my spirits more
than an ounce of toot.

Over the years I have found that the only path to Vanagon quietude is paved
with Mann oil filters and Mobil 1 or dino cum Marvel Mystery Oil.

George