Good tips folks. Thanks.

If I view it again, I'll listen with an appropriate tool and if
possible, record the sound and post it online.

The owner did take it to a knowledgable Vanagon repairman who took a
very brief, if any, listen to it and was quick to suggest a rebuild.
My "ears" are pretty good but then I don't have a lot of experience
with the various sounds a WBX can make. I think it's wishful thinking
on my part to gamble on the noise being limited to the valve train
beyond any cam bearing issue.

Neil.

On 10/21/14, Chris S. <szpejankowski@gmail.com> wrote:

> Take loooong screwdriver, place the pointy end against water pump housing
> and put the handle firmly against your ear opening.  It will look and feel
> strange, but it will transmit noises directly from the housing. Then you can
> have a little more fun and try other areas of the engine block.
>
> You can also remove the drive belts and start it up to quickly see if water
> pump, alternator or AC compressor, if present, are the culprit.
>
> Chris.

--
Neil n

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