--- Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM> wrote:
>
> The only way that oil level can affect a noisy lifter is if the level is
> high enough that when parked, the lifter is submerged. If the lifters are
> submerged, than the oil is also covering the cam. Lots of pump and foaming
> action here.

Dennis, I spent some time looking into my spare 1.9 engine. If the oil level is
at the mid point between max and min and if the van is level all lifter will
be slightly below completely submerged in oil. It's about 1/4 inch exposed
to air. If oil level is at the max on the stick all lifters are submerged.

Perhaps that's the reason that makes the lifters less likely to lose pressure.
If the lifters are partially exposed to air, air is more likely to creep into
the worn micro gap between the plunger and the lifter cylinder and thus causes
oil to leak out.

As far as camshaft, regardless if the oil is at mid point or at max it is almost
submerged in oil completely. The cam lobes always do a lot of splashing. In fact
VW Bug/bus camshafts are extremely durable because they are always submerged in
oil.

David

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