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Date:         Mon, 6 Apr 2009 22:42:42 -0500
Reply-To:     Jarrett Anthony Kupcinski <kpcnsk@YAHOO.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jarrett Anthony Kupcinski <kpcnsk@YAHOO.COM>
Subject:      expensive-sounding clacking noise, happy birthday to me
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed; delsp=yes

I had an expensive-sounding clacking noise start up on the engine today. The noise is a repetitive clack which increases in frequency as the engine rpms increase. RPMs don't seem to affect volume or pitch. The noise can be heard inside from the driver's seat very clearly, and is louder outside the car. It seems to be located behind the transmission but in front of the pulleys. Also, it is very loud when underneath the van engine compartment. The noise seems to be located in the engine.

The noise started when I left work today and drove about a mile home. When I heard the noise, I gently drove to the house. When I drove to work today, the noise wasn't present.

When I got home, the noise starts up each time. I noticed that I had taken off the oil-filler cap and not replaced it, so it was off for the 2 miles roundtrip today. Fortunately, it was still sitting on my rear bumper when I got home, so I replaced it, but still the clacking.

Fearing something valve or pushrod related, I pulled the valve covers off to inspect the heads. Nothing seemed amiss, but on the driver side, a fair bit of oil poured out after I removed the valve cover. None pored out the passenger side valve cover. I couldn't tell much more than that, but I'm no expert. Right now I'm looking for advice on how to diagnose the problem.

Thanks for your thoughts,

Jarrett Kupcinski 89 Westfalia


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