I have an 87 Wolfsburg GL and it does the same thing.  If I don't go through a complete warm up cycle the next time I run it I will have a loud tapping lifter.  It did it since it was new, and even does it after a complete engine rebuild (including new lifters).  Don't know what to do.
 
Thanks,
 
Kurt

________________________________

From: Vanagon Mailing List on behalf of Keith Patterson
Sent: Wed 7/21/2004 12:27 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Lifter noise

I've got an 87 westy with a funny problem. If I start it and let it run
for a short time (say 5 minutes) then turn it off, the next time I start
it my lifters make a horrible sound. I assume they are losing there
pressurization. If I drive it for a while the noise goes away.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,

KP