Well, I am NOT a mechanic. But....

Could it not be just noisy valve lifters?

Many people suggest the addition of Marvel Mystery Oil, to reduce that
sound, and pump up the lifters.

If the noise quiets down, as you say, PERHAPS it may just be sticky valve
lifters, which loosen with time, oil and heat - not a valve job candidate.

Marshall Ruskin

>Hi folks,
>
>A couple of you requested details regarding the post I made yesterday about
>Dad's '86 Westfalia.
>
>110,000 miles.  Dad took it to the repair shop because the engine was
making
>a "ticking noise".  The noise is louder when the engine starts and eases a
>bit after that.  It is not "horrendous".  Dad is not a mechanic but he has
>been driving cars for 55 years and to him, it sounds like valve clatter.
>For what it's worth, the mechanic at the repair shop (not a VW specialist)
>did say there is a burned valve (or valves.)
>
>There is no loss of power.
>
>Dad also mentioned multiple oil leaks.  The Vanagon is parked now at the
>repair shop; so far they've replaced the filler tube and oil filter, both
of
>which had holes.  Apparently there is some leaking from somewhere else
also.
>Possibly unrelated to the valves?
>
>Well.  The repair shop is advising an engine replacement.  Is there much
>possibility that they're wrong about the valves?  Perhaps it would be worth
>taking it to a VW specialist.  Any suggestions or direction would be
>appreciated.
>
>Thanks,
>
>Dave
>