At 10:36 10/19/2004, Eric wrote:
>It is a LOUD knock or rap that sounds like a hammer hitting the block. It
>is quite loud, maybe louder than a bad rod bearing but less of a deep
>"thonk" and more of a sharp rap. Seems to be louder from beneath the
>engine. If my calculations are correct, its frequency is about 1/2 the
>crank speed at 5-6 times a second at normal idle (valve/cam related?).

Seems pretty likely to be a collapsed valve lifter which they mostly all
get once in a while if they sit.  I have a notion it tends to be on #2
cylinder, dunno why.  Generally a twenty-minute drive will relieve
it.  Check oil to specs (20W50 in moderate weather), fit Mann/Mahle/Dealer
oil filter, or at very least a mfr who does not use the same filter for the
Vanagon as for other VW.  Should be discussion of Marvel Mystery Oil and
such in the archives at www.gerry.vanagon.com if it's really sticky.

Scary loud.

david

--
David Beierl - Providence RI USA -- http://pws.prserv.net/synergy/Vanagon/
'84 Westy "Dutiful Passage," '85 GL "Poor Relation"