if you have lifter clatter when the engine is cold and went away after a
while ... then don't worry

what you should worry is the lifter clatter is not there when the engine is
cold then it's there when the engine is HOT....

happy July4th everyone...

On Fri, Jul 3, 2015 at 1:59 PM, Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@gmail.com>
wrote:

> You can certainly try it, but don't expect anything.  It's really a
> function
> of how long the van sits.  Drive every day and you probably won't have the
> problem, especially if you use 15w-40 or 20w-50 oil.  I currently run
> 20w-50, but my engine is the wear limit for oil pressure, and the knock
> starts after about a week of sitting.
>
> I think it's a problem with worn check valves in the lifter, but replacing
> the lifters is expensive and potentially can create worse problems with cam
> lobe wear on an old cam.  VW cam lobes do double duty, there are only four
> lobes for 8 valves.
>
> It's just one of those endearing features of the WBX engine we live with.
>
> Stuart
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: PSD [mailto:psdooley@verizon.net]
> Sent: Friday, July 03, 2015 11:59 AM
> To: 'Stuart MacMillan'; vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: RE: lifter chatter any concerns?
>
> I have used ATF in other makes with decent success.  Maybe the difference
> is
> a worn lifter as opposed to a clogged or stuck one?
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Stuart MacMillan [mailto:stuartmacm@gmail.com]
> Sent: Friday, July 03, 2015 11:38 AM
> To: 'PSD'; vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: RE: lifter chatter any concerns?
>
> ATF and Marvel Mystery Oil both have solvent properties, but modern oils
> now
> have high detergent capability to prevent sludge buildup.
>
> I've tried MMO at the recommended 25% in both my '84 and '85 to no avail.
> They also thin the oil. I wouldn't know how much ATF to use, but don't
> bother with either of them.
>