Well, first off, I run the Mahle filters on my 84 WB. I use the Delron HD
motor oil in it and I still have valve clatter after a couple of days. I
also have performance loss at times when that happens. It all goes away in
20 minutes to a half hour of driving.

As far as plugs, everybody has an opinion. I use the triple prong 'Bosch
Supers'. The van runs well on them, I don't worry about them loading up or
anything. Others swear by the original single prong Bosch plugs either in
platinum or regular. Others like the 4 prong ones but my van wouldn't run
for beans on them. Why? Not a clue. Perhaps a slightly weaker coil or
something.

I have run NGKs in my 83 aircooled but I'll tell you... it makes nada
difference.

tim in san jose

----- Original Message -----
From: "Matthew C. Huntley" <matthew.huntley@STRATHBOGIE.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Friday, December 17, 2004 10:41 AM
Subject: Re: Just interesting observation & More Questions

> Cool!
>
> Thanks for the clarification. I really appreciate the info.
>
> What is the best choice for Plugs? I am new to Vanagons, and I want to do
> a little bit of a Tuneup this weekend!
>
> Thanks,
> Matt
> > The heavier oil restricts flow in the older engines with <ahem> "looser"
> > fitting parts, improving overall oil pressure.  The original equipment
oil
> > filters have an anti-drainback valve to prevent the oil from draining
out
> > of
> > the heads and back to the sump.  Some of the aftermarket filters either
do
> > not have this valve, or it is poorly made and allows the oil pressure to
> > drain off back to the sump.  Dry hydraulic lifters make lots of noise
> > until
> > they pump back up with oil...
> >
> > Don in Reidsville, NC
> > 1987 Vanagon GL Syncro (Suzie)
> > 1988 Vanagon GL (Sylvia)
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "Matthew C. Huntley" <matthew.huntley@STRATHBOGIE.NET>
> > To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> > Sent: Fri 17 December 2004 13:15
> > Subject: Re: Just interesting observation
> >
> >
> >>I am curious,
> >> Why does that combination of Oil/Filter fix this?
> >> I understand the viscosity of the oil, but what it is with that brand
of
> >> filter that makes it preferable?
> >>
> >> Thanks,
> >> Matt
> >>
> >>> John,
> >>>
> >>> I'm not familiar with the Aircooled vanagons, but it sounds to me like
> >>> you have the infamous "Vanagon Clattering Valve Lifter Syndrome.".
> >>>
> >>> On the water cooled models with the 1.9L and 2.1 L, the clattering
> >>> issue
> >>> is addressed by using a 20W50ST oil and a Mahle/Mann oil filter
> >>> specifically. Not shure that would work but certainly investigating it
> >>> would be a worthwhile endeavor. Those are hydraulic lifters in the 81,
> >>> so it is very likely subject to the same leakdown problems, which in
> >>> the
> >>> WBX engines is addressed as above.
> >>>
> >>> Regards,
> >>>
> >>> John Rodgers
> >>> 88 GL Driver
> >>>
> >>> Anonymous Digest wrote:
> >>>
> >>>>Just to pass along something interesting, mine is an 81 air cooled
with
> >>>>lots of miles on it. Often when it sits more than a few days, it is
one
> >>>>noisy bugger when I start it up, summer or winter, regardless of the
> >>>> oil
> >>>>of choice. Lifters or whatever are really loud.
> >>>>
> >>>>I am used to it, and what I have noticed is that it has sat for about
> >>>> six
> >>>>weeks outside, on a very slight incline in the driveway, nose up. Not
a
> >>>>lot of hill, but its enough of an incline to make the basketball games
> >>>>interesting.....
> >>>>
> >>>>Anyway, when I would start it up after sitting on this small tilt, no
> >>>>excessive noise, clatter, or banging. Did it about three or four times
> >>>> in
> >>>>six weeks. Nothing. Sounded just perfect.
> >>>>
> >>>>I put it in the garage a few days ago for the CV joint adventure, and
> >>>> when
> >>>>I started it up today, the racket was back, and the clatter was pretty
> >>>>intense for about fifteen minutes.....
> >>>>
> >>>>The oil level is fine, so it almost looks like, in my case, sitting on
> >>>> a
> >>>>slight incline appears to nearly eliminate the "lifter syndrome" or
> >>>>clattering, or whatever one wishes to call it.
> >>>>
> >>>>Nothing spectacular, but I guess maybe I should get a pair of ramps
and
> >>>>park it nose up when its in the garage. Can't really leave it out on
> >>>> the
> >>>>hill, as last year someone shot out the back window....
> >>>>
> >>>>Anyway, just something to say that is not related to the CV joints.
> >>>><shrug>
> >>>>
> >>>>John
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>
> >>
> >>
> >> --
> >> Any opinions stated here are my own, otherwise someone else would have
> >> said them.
> >
>
>
> --
> Any opinions stated here are my own, otherwise someone else would have
> said them.
>