Patty,
You sound as if you are new to the list. If so, welcome aboard.

It's not clear from your post just what you have. Stock '90 model
Vanagons have a 2.1 liter engine in them, not a 2.0. If it is indeed a
2.0 - then it's not a stock WBX 2.1 liter engine.

The stock 2.1L WBX engine has a valve lifter issue fondly referred to a
the "WBX Lifter Syndrome". The hydraulic lifters, sometimes when parked,
will loose their prime. That is, the oil in the lifter will drain out,
so that the valve clearance is incorrect at the next start of the
engine. This is very common, and experience over time has demonstrated
that this doesn't hurt the engine, and the errant lifter will pump back
after driving a few miles. In the meantime, there will be some
Rattlety-Clackety to contend with until it pumps up and the lifters
automatically adjust themselves.

Please note - there is a distinct difference between the
Rattlety-Clackety of the lifter syndrome, vs the deep knock, knock,
knock of a bad rod bearing.

Since you have described a variance in the the way the rods appear,
there MIGHT be a problem, but I leave that issue to those more
conversant with the specifics of the valve train than I.

Good luck.

John

John Rodgers
Clayartist and Moldmaker
88'GL VW Bus Driver
Chelsea, AL
Http://www.moldhaus.com

On 6/5/2011 2:53 PM, Patty Ormiston wrote:
> loud valve chatter at idle and faster as accelorated. how to adj. also i took off cover and 1 pushrod is about center and the other 3 are way off to 1 side looks like they are hitting on the side of guide port. is this o.k? this is my fist van it was given to me free and is in great shape! runs great except that tapping please help>I love this van
>
>