Date: Sat, 19 Jul 2003 13:19:22 -0500
Reply-To: John Rodgers <j_rodgers@CHARTER.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: John Rodgers <j_rodgers@CHARTER.NET>
Subject: Re: tap tap tap!! ??
In-Reply-To: <200307191721.h6JHL4H22303@mail.oanet.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed
This is in all likelyhood the infamous "Vanagon Lifter Syndrome". Not
fatal, but frustrating and aggravating. The lifter loses its prime, and
goes flat, takes several miles and about 20-30 minutes to pump back up.
Just drive easy until it pumps back up. Next stop it should be alright
until the next time.
Disease is incurable, but it can be minimized. You need three things,
Marvel Mystery Oil, a Mahle Oil Filter, and the correct oil - 20W50wt
conventional multigrade oil, or Mobil 1 15W50wt Synthetic.
The Mahle filter is a must. Nobody else makes one that has the correct
internal relief valve spring pressure which holds the oil in the
galleries in the engine. When they drain due to weak spring pressure,
the lifters will leak down if the engine happens to be shut down at a
point where the pushrod pressure is just right on the lifter. There is
no fix except for the Mahle filter with the stronger spring to hold oil
pressure in the galleries.
The Marvel Mystery Oil is about the best cleaning agent around FOR THE
WBX engines. I try and remember to add a pint a couple of hundred miles
before an oil change. If a lifter acts up, I put in a pint when ever it
happens. Reduces the incidence of the Vanagon Lifter Syndrome.
Correct oil Viscosity: This varies a bit around the country. For most
drivers Dino oil in a 20W50 works best. If you happen to be in a cooler
climate --- like say Alaska ---- you might run a 20W40 or less. In the
Synthetics, the Mobil 1 15W50 is tops. With it you may well find your
oil consumption decreased, your lifter syndrome relieved, and your
engine running cooler. These are results observed by various list
members when they made the changes on their machines.
I might add here that on the Vanagon List, you will find a wealth of
anecdotal information. Take it for what it's worth. But I will tell you
there is a wealth of living information that is based on actual
experience. Just ask, then filter out what you want, because youe WILL
get a response.
Regards,
John Rodgers
88 GL driver
Birmingham, AL
Don Spence wrote:
>Well I was all set to take my new old westy for it's first run to the
>mountains. Everything was packed so I went to drive it behind the garage to
>plug in the fridge overnight. Started it up and there was a real clatter
>coming from the engine. Consistant loud,tap tap tap like a really loose
>lifter or rocker arm. I thought, dry lifter. It'll go away in a few seconds.
>No such luck. Drove it around the block a couple of times. No change.
>
>So the westy stayed home and we took the Caravan. Bummer.
>
>I recall reading a recent discussion on the benefits of Marvel Mystery oil.
>Is this something I should try? Or... can it be something more serious? What
>to do first and where to start looking.
>
>I'm new to things VW, Lots of Triumph experience so mechanicals are not a
>mystery. Any help as to what to look for and where appreciated.
>*# water boxer. 249,000 KM. No engine service history available. DH series
>digijet.
>
>TIA
>Don
>
>
>
