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Date:         Fri, 17 Dec 2004 19:54:31 -0500
Reply-To:     Dennis Haynes <dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Dennis Haynes <dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET>
Subject:      Re: Just interesting observation
Comments: To: "Matthew C. Huntley" <matthew.huntley@STRATHBOGIE.NET>
In-Reply-To:  <11791.129.42.208.182.1103307315.squirrel@sqmail.strathbogie.net>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII

It doesn't. The valve lifter clatter is usually an intermittent problem due to a combination of lifter design, worn or sticking ball checks, and where the engine stops. The inline engines are also prone to it. I keep those lifters in stock also. I think the inlet hole and check on the side of the lifter is too small for oil to flow quickly in when cold and thick. Once the oil warms, running the engine at speed will eventually fill the lifter and it will then do its job. Starting the engine and shutting it down when still cold such as moving the van across the street or in the driveway seems to aggravate the problem for the next start up. This may be due to a cold engine not stopping at TDC so some of the valves are held open. These lifters then bleed down and create the clatter at next start up. (Theory)

Dennis

-----Original Message----- From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Matthew C. Huntley Sent: Friday, December 17, 2004 1:15 PM To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM Subject: Re: Just interesting observation

I am curious, Why does that combination of Oil/Filter fix this? I understand the viscosity of the oil, but what it is with that brand of filter that makes it preferable?

Thanks, Matt

> John, > > I'm not familiar with the Aircooled vanagons, but it sounds to me like > you have the infamous "Vanagon Clattering Valve Lifter Syndrome.". > > On the water cooled models with the 1.9L and 2.1 L, the clattering issue > is addressed by using a 20W50ST oil and a Mahle/Mann oil filter > specifically. Not shure that would work but certainly investigating it > would be a worthwhile endeavor. Those are hydraulic lifters in the 81, > so it is very likely subject to the same leakdown problems, which in the > WBX engines is addressed as above. > > Regards, > > John Rodgers > 88 GL Driver > > Anonymous Digest wrote: > >>Just to pass along something interesting, mine is an 81 air cooled with >>lots of miles on it. Often when it sits more than a few days, it is one >>noisy bugger when I start it up, summer or winter, regardless of the oil >>of choice. Lifters or whatever are really loud. >> >>I am used to it, and what I have noticed is that it has sat for about six >>weeks outside, on a very slight incline in the driveway, nose up. Not a >>lot of hill, but its enough of an incline to make the basketball games >>interesting..... >> >>Anyway, when I would start it up after sitting on this small tilt, no >>excessive noise, clatter, or banging. Did it about three or four times in >>six weeks. Nothing. Sounded just perfect. >> >>I put it in the garage a few days ago for the CV joint adventure, and >> when >>I started it up today, the racket was back, and the clatter was pretty >>intense for about fifteen minutes..... >> >>The oil level is fine, so it almost looks like, in my case, sitting on a >>slight incline appears to nearly eliminate the "lifter syndrome" or >>clattering, or whatever one wishes to call it. >> >>Nothing spectacular, but I guess maybe I should get a pair of ramps and >>park it nose up when its in the garage. Can't really leave it out on the >>hill, as last year someone shot out the back window.... >> >>Anyway, just something to say that is not related to the CV joints. >><shrug> >> >>John >> >> >> >> >

-- Any opinions stated here are my own, otherwise someone else would have said them.


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