Date:         Tue, 19 Jul 2005 12:33:16 -0500
Reply-To:     John Rodgers <inua@CHARTER.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John Rodgers <inua@CHARTER.NET>
Subject:      Re: noisy lifter: Marvel mystery oil??
Comments: To: Don Spence <dkspence@TELUS.NET>
In-Reply-To:  <EC40D802-F86F-11D9-9236-003065A72624@telus.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

Don Spence wrote:

> I've been plagued with a noisy lifter for the last week or so. (though
> I drive the westy infrequently)  So today I tracked down some MMO  (
> it's a rare commodity in Canada) recalling it being touted as the cure
> for such an affliction. Well I bought it and the clatter stopped almost
> immediately even though I didn't put any MMO into the crankcase.
>
> So, please refresh my memory... what do I do with the MMO re valve
> clatter or other Vanagon ills??
>
> TIA
> Don
>
>
I like Jim Felder's response to your question!!!

What's necessary is to accomplish several things together to tackle and
eliminate the problem. Mann or Mahle Oil filter, proper grade oil - I
much prefer the synthetics and use Mobile One 15W50 - regular oil
changes. Drive at least every other day to insure the lifters remain
pumped up. MMO run through before an oil change.

Infrequent or long periods of not drivng the vehicle is almost a
guarantee of the lifters going flat and having valve clatter on start-up.

Good luck.

John Rodgers
88 GL Driver