a logical thing to do is pop the valve covers...
and take a Look.
the effort is small ..
the changes of learning something about this issue is fair ..
no substituent for hand-on working on it .

i've seen a damaged push rod and rocker a time or two.

since it's one place that's really easy to access..why not ?

On 10/20/2014 8:15 PM, Neil N wrote:
> Hi all.
>
> Viewed an '86 GL with sunroof today:
> http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/nvn/cto/4722437973.html
>
> The engine starts normally and sounds like it has decent power but as
> per the ad it makes noise.
> The noise is medium loud sound like ball bearings rattling around or
> like a loud really worn out sewing machine. It's a constant set of
> "krrrrrk" sounds coming from the driver side of engine, not too far
> from centre.
>
> AFAIK, it doesn't sound like a rod or main bearing gone bad. I've
> heard those sounds before. The oil light goes out quickly. One of my
> first thoughts was a bad coolant pump but it was replaced recently and
> it wasn't moving in/out while engine running.
>
> Could the noise be caused by a loose set of rockers? Cam?
>
> I know it's nearly impossible to diagnose via text but input is welcome.
>
> Thanks.
>
> Neil.
>
> --
> Neil n
>
> Blog: Vanagons, Westfalia, general <http://tubaneil.blogspot.ca>
>
> 1988 Westy Images <https://picasaweb.google.com/musomuso/New1988Westy>
>
> 1981 Westfalia "Jaco" Images, technical <http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/>
>
> Vanagon-Bus VAG Gas Engine Swap Group <http://tinyurl.com/khalbay>
>