I test drove friend's 1984 van (93k) the other day with a wicked rattle
when idling at rest that seemed to be clutch related.  Lo and behold when
I drove home in my 1981 van (139k) it exhibited the same noise, although
to a much smaller degree.  I had never noticed it before, thought it was
just air cooled motor noise.

When my van is at rest, idling, in neutral, with the clutch depressed the
motor is very smooth and purrs.  If I release the clutch a faint "rattle"
is introduced.  This is the same with my friend's van, only the "rattle"
is much more pronounced.  This van also has shifting problems when warm.
Mine shifts great when warm, a little sluggish first thing.

Any idea as to what's going on here?

Thanks,

Tony

Anthony L. Mourkas
Hampden, Maine, USA
1981 Vanagon Westfalia