>I know that this has been covered before but I need some questions
>answered.  Hopefully some of the been there, done that's can help me.
>I made an appointment to take my 93 EV to the dealer next week for a
>possible piston slap problem.  Symptom is the van sounds like a diesel for
>about ten minutes after starting. 

Hmm... I can't believe I'm answering an EV post, but.....

I have an '84 Audi 5000 S turbo with 135k mi. that I drive daily. (then what the
hell do you do with all those VW vans?? - Yard Art....ya know... :<)  Anyway, I
bought the car when it was 4 yrs old and had approx. 50k mi. on it. When I got
it, in the morning when the engine was cold, the lifters would tap for a few
minutes until it warmed up. 
now at 135k mi. the lifters still tap when the engine is cold - no more, no
less. It is a charachteristic of the 5 banger, and is no cause for alarm.  At
135k mi., the valve cover has never been off this engine, and probably won't be
for a loooong time. The 5 bangers are virtually indestructable.  Head gaskets??
What are head gaskets??

Hmmm.... maybe I'll save up and order one of them brand new South African
"Vanagons" (actually they call 'em Buses) that have the 5 banger in the back. 
A Vanagon that you'd never have to do head gaskets on....imagine......

chris