Date:         Mon, 13 Aug 2001 14:52:52 -0400
Reply-To:     Jay L Snyder <Jay.L.Snyder@USA.DUPONT.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jay L Snyder <Jay.L.Snyder@USA.DUPONT.COM>
Subject:      Lifters Again
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

I continue to have off and on lifter noise and would like a further
explanation of Bob Donald's zero-lash method.  I have new lifters installed
in my '85  1.9l.  They have been in for about a year.  I sometimes get
noise on start-up, sometimes not.  It is by far the worst thing about the
whole vehicle.  It sounds like you-know-what and is particularly annoying
pulling out of a quiet campground.  The performance is noticeably better
when all is quiet.  My oil pressure is low when hot, so I would expect some
lifter noise when pulling off the freeway and coming to an idle. This I can
understand.  I've seen it with Corvairs.  (The also went from the factory 2
turns to about 1/4 turn in the real world--but never zero lash.)
 I realize that at zero lash the lifter can fully expand and purge any air
bound in the lifter.  Can you just leave it this way or do you then go back
and pre-load some amount of turns?
I am running at around 1 turn.  Unless I am missing something, less
pre-load would be horrible at a hot-idle.  I suspect my lifters are
partially collapsing when hot because I get a rough idle and it will
sometimes stall--really annoying when trying to maneuver into a campsite or
parking lot.
Is this engine going to be like this until I rebuild?  I am guessing better
oil pressure help all of this.  Since the lifters are new, I don't think
MMO will help.  I actually tried it once before, but noticed a slight oil
pressure drop.  I may put some in right before my next oil change and then
get it out.
Any first hand experience would be appreciated.

                                         Jay '85 Westy (The Hindenburg)