Date: Tue, 25 Jul 2000 15:55:17 -0400
Reply-To: ehall@together.net
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Ezra Hall <ehall@together.net>
Subject: Re: Valve Cover Gaskets and Lifter
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Donna and folks on the list,
We just returned from a 5K mile 3 week trip in our '88 westy, during which
we had a slight problem with one of the hydraulic lifters. Before I describe
the problem and my temporary solution, let me share what I did prior to the
trip with regards to the lifters and valve covers.
On two previous occasions (both during sub-freezing temps), one of the lifters
had collapsed, causing a loud clacking noise. Both times, the lifter eventually
filled with oil, and the engine ran ok. Here is what I did this spring:
o Drove for a week with 1/2 quart ATF in place of an
equal amount of oil
o Drained 1 quart of oil, replaced with ATF and idled
for a while at engine operating temp. I did an oil and
filter change with 10W30 dino oil, no lifter problems
for the months leading up to our trip.
o Prior to the trip, I Replaced the valve cover gaskets.
I glued the gaskets to the covers as per a
suggestion on the list. I adjusted the rockers for
zero backlash. I re-filled with 15W50 Mobile1 synthetic
~2-3K into our trip, in the Grand Tetons in Wyoming, after a night of camping,
a lifter again collapsed. I was a bit concerned that it wouldn't correct itself,
so I pulled the valve cover gasket on the driver's side where the noise was
loudest to investigate. We were in a wonderful campsite with views of a lake
and mountains, not a bad place to work on the van! I was careful not to drip
any oil on the ground. I proceeded to adjust all the valves to 1/4 turn in,
and found the rear most rocker on #4 could be pushed in with little effort,
the hydraulic lifer was indeed collapsed. I adjusted the rocker until the lifter
was completely compressed, essentially a solid lifter. I left a little play
to account for thermal expansion while the engine was running. We made it all
the way back to Vermont with no problems. In fact, our fuel economy increased
considerably, and oil temps were reduced. On the way out west, we were getting
15-16mpg on the highway at ~60mph (automatic trany). After temporarily "fixing"
the lifter, we got 20-22mpg in the Tetons and Yellowstone, and 18-19mpg on the
highway. Previously, we had never seen fuel economy that high. Obviously the
lifter had been on its way out for some time!
I haven't pulled the lifter yet to diagnose the cause of this failure, I suspect
a piece of RTV from the PO may have lodged itself in the lifter. This temporary
"fix" took less than 1 hour and takes relatively few tools. A 22mm (or is it
24mm?) socket and ratchet to turn the engine, a flat head screwdriver to adjust
the rockers, a 10mm? socket and wrench for loosening the set nuts on the set
screw on the rockers, and a longer screwdriver to remove the spring clip holding
the valve covers in place. If you are willing to carry at least these few tools
and either replace the valve cover gaskets or carry spares (less than $2), then
you can travel in relative comfort that you will not be stranded somewhere.
I expect the bad lifter in our engine needs to be replaced. Hopefully no damage
was done to the rocker or other components from my adjustment on the road.
After the "adjustment" the engine also sounded much better, and what I had
thought was the sound of a misfire in one of the cylinders went away.
I plan to write more about our trip when I get a chance. The only other problem
was a snapped throttle cable. I fixed this with electrical crimp connectors
and copper wire, not a great repair, but it got us home.
Good Luck on your trip!
Ezra Hall
'88 Westy, ~103K miles
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