The local VW dealer says I have a broken hydraulic valve lifter on cylinder number one. This was after I asked them to diagnose a problem with my '85 1.9L engine cutting out and surging while driving (2000-3000 rpm). I already knew I had a lifter problem, they knock pretty loudly but quiet down after 10 or 15 minutes. The cutting out and surging remains though. So they're talking about a major tear down to accomplish the valve lifter replacement...suggesting it might be time for a new engine since the repair expense would be so high. I pulled out the Bentley and pointed to page 15.23 - "Valve lifters can be removed and replaced without engine removal and without major disassembly". After a talk with the mechanic, the service manager admits reluctantly that - yes, you can do a replacement with the collapsible pushrod tube, but they never hold a seal. It was an uncomfortable moment because I caught him in a lie and he knew it. My question to the list is : Can the hydraulic valve lifter be broken if the valve quiets down after 15 minutes of operation? Isn't this just normal for a motor with 150K miles? Would a broken lifter be able to cause the very noticeable cutting out and surging problem? I thought the problem was with the AFM or the injectors and an experienced mechanic with access to the proper analyzer could come up with an answer, but I feel I just wasted $180. Robert Capra "85 Vanagon GL |
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