Date:         Sat, 1 May 2010 20:35:26 -0700
Reply-To:     Scott Daniel - Turbovans <scottdaniel@TURBOVANS.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Scott Daniel - Turbovans <scottdaniel@TURBOVANS.COM>
Subject:      Re: Clackety Clack
Comments: To: Michael Sullivan <sandwichhead@GMAIL.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
              reply-type=original

Could just be 'normal' hydraulic lifter clacking, from letting it sit.
Also ...
running for very short periods of time, like a minute or so to move the van
say..
do that a few times and you can easily get noisy lifters.

your plan on check oil level on the level is good.
if it's not full...add some hydraulic lifter cleaner.

which you kinda should do now and then anyway.
or Marvel Mystery oil, in the engine oil as a treatment/cleaner.

basically 'some' cleaner type treatment in the oil once in a while.

regular use really helps prevent lifter noise.
For sure, I start up a van that's been sitting a while...I expect the
lifters to be noisy,
and sometimes it takes quite a bit of running for them to get quiet again.

have fun !
Scott



----- Original Message -----
From: "Michael Sullivan" <sandwichhead@GMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Saturday, May 01, 2010 5:24 PM
Subject: Clackety Clack


> Just wanted to ask a quick ? re: my van.  It really hasn't moved in the
> last
> 3 weeks due to mods on the aux battery, Peel n Seal, and new sound system.
> Started it up today and hearing alot (ALOT) of clackety clacking from the
> engine.  Sounds like low on oil.  Didn't do this prior to parking it for
> the
> repairs. I am on a slant in the driveway so hard to get a reading on oil
> level.  I took it for a 3-4 mile drive and still got the noise.  I will
> check it out tomorrow on level ground but couldn't resist posting to ask
> how
> long it should take to get the oil circulated. When I took the oil cap off
> and listen, I can hear gurgling....maybe I'm low?  Like I said, will check
> in AM on level ground, but really want to take it out for a drive as I
> have
> been in the Beetle for the last couple of weeks.  Thanks guys and gals.
> Michael in San Antonio
> 91GL Weekender AT 2.1L 'Gringo'
> 73 Beetle