On Tue, 24 Jun 1997, Jeff Hartman wrote:

> After starting my 86 vanagon this morning I immediately heard a loud ticking
> sound, which followed the frequency of the engine speed.  I quickly shut it
> down after moving it to level ground.  It had sat at about an eight percent
   (snip)

     YOu have a lifter that lost it's prime. Run it until hot, (about
     20 minutes). It will go away. 

     Never run a motor unless you get it hot. Change the oil regularly
     and you will only have this problem when some one wants you to
     move your Vanagon.
                               Joe Wagner