My 90 Carat automatic has 139k miles and has on occasion had lifter noise
over the last 25k miles or so.  But, driving at about 70 MPH, up hill, with
heavy load on board, when I put the pedal to the floor, I got a sort of
mashing noise, almost like pinging but much, much louder, and an immediate
apparent power loss.  Backing off the accelerator a bit stopped the noise,
and pedal back to the floor got it again.  Oh yah, it was hot out and the
engine was running on the hot side of normal for my van.  About a half hour
later, it did it again.

I had new heads put on at 55K by VW.  Van has been a strong runner in
general.

I have to admit, it makes me a bit nervous!  Any ideas appreciated!

Ed
90 Carat 139k
98 Golf 3k (16 year old driver, YIKES!)