If any valve adjustment is needed they were not adjusted right or something is failing. The proper set up of the lifters has no problem compensating for any normal life of the engine. 
While VW lifters sometimes like to clatter they should quite down. This some awful misconception in Vanagon land that the lifters should be set with some clearance and these will be noisy. Also could be bad for the tops of the valves and the cam shaft.  Unless a lifter failure occurred after the fact any re-adjustment or tightening may be warranty work. I don't know where you live but a legitimate shop cannot pay qualified individuals in most areas charging that rate. Melbourne Florida the Kia Dealers are like $136.50/hour. This should be a Friday topic.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of C Snyder 
Sent: Sunday, August 28, 2011 1:37 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Valve/tappot clatter

Hello list,

About 5 or 6,000 miles ago, I had new heads and valves installed on my 1987 2-wd van. Recently, I have noticed a slight clatter (like tat,tat,tat) while driving at normal city speeds. I am guessing the new valves and or tappets just need to be readjusted.

Am I correct on this asumsertion? Is it expensive as far as the labor goes? the place I go to charges right at $59.00 per hour.

Any commits would sure be appreciated.

Chris