I think this is my problem, too: I just replaced the head on my '80 Westy
(aircooled). It had sat for quite awhile with the oil drain plug out. Now
that I have it all back together, it has a nice loud click sound (I am
pretty sure it's that's a lifter sound).

I don't think (hope) it's a rod knocking, but it's more of a click.

Hmm, wonder if there is a site around with the various VW failure sounds?

Also, does a thicker oil tend to make this problem better or worse?

Thanks,
Jon

On Mon, 1 Sep 2003, tp wrote:

> Andy Morse wrote:
> >
> > 86 syncro, once in a while especially after not driving it
> for a while I get
> > a lot of a abnormal ticking from the valve cover area,
> eventually it goes
> > away. What's the cure?
>
>
> Hi Andy,
>
> I have the same problem (actually it's no more than a minor
> irritant) with my '85 1.9 WBX.
>
> The problem is that the hydraulic lifters lose oil when the
> van has been standing unused for a while.  Within 5 to 15
> minutes of normal running, the "abnormal ticking" noise goes
> away, because the lifter re-fills with oil.   I think the
> reason is that the lifters are not specifically designed to
> be used in the horizontal position - as far as I am aware,
> they are similar to those used in various VW in-line four
> cylinder engines that are mounted nearer to the vertical.
>
> My personal "cure" is to live with it.  If you cannot live
> with it, replacing the offending lifter will solve the
> problem.
>
> Good luck,
>
> Tony
>

--
Jon Kenneke, General Manager
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PO Box 3126 - Albany, OR 97321-0702
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