Lifter noise when cold ???

Bert · Post by **Bert** » Fri May 17, 2002 1:05 pm

Hi again guys I've got my '79 bus and I've just started noticing that when I start up in the morning one of the lifters seems to really TICK loudly, then sometimes it will just go away , I think I may have either a collapsed lifter or a really sticky lifter . if I can locate the problem lifter can I change it without pulling the motor ? or should I just take it to my local Bug Dr. Thanks

lowpro1984 · Post by **lowpro1984** » Fri May 17, 2002 9:26 pm

I dont have to much exp with hydro lifted engines but all the ones I have been around click and klang kind of bad at first cause the lifters arnt filled with oil yet. After they get filled with oil they quiet down alot. I dont know if this is what your talking about or not. I hope this helps.

Chris R.

papun5880pr · Post by **papun5880pr** » Sat May 18, 2002 8:13 am

it is a hydraulic lifter that isn't filling .as soon as it runs a while and the oil gets hot it stops the noice.this lifters areeasily exchane without tearing the engine down.maybe the lifter is cloged or the oil is to high graded..i hadthe same problem onceand we exchanged the noisy lifter and the nocking was gone.i heardthat the hydraukic lifters need a certain type of adjuctment .i heard it fronm a vw mechanic (???????).FIRST TIME FOR ME!!!!.SEE A MECHANIC,IT SHOULDN'T BE EXPENSIVE AND THE LIFTERS AREABOUT $8 TO $12 DOLLARS .I PUT SOLID ON MINE AND NO NEED TO WORY ABOUT IT NO MORE.YOU HAVE CHOICES.TAKE A PIECE OFGARDEN HOSE AND USEIT AS A STETOSCOPE AND LOCATE THE NOISY LIFTER.

rich2481 · Post by **rich2481** » Mon May 20, 2002 6:38 am

Was your engine rebuilt recently, I had a fit trying to get mine adjusted, then it was suggested to use a feeler gauge and set to .006 like solids for around 20 minutes, this let the air bleed out I guess, you might try to let it warm up and then pull on the rocker arms and see which lifter isnt pumping up fully, you might try adjusting it or replacing it, http://www.bostonengine.com/articles/hydraulicll.htm

good luck.

VWmadman · Post by **VWmadman** » Sat May 25, 2002 11:32 pm

It's simple the lifter is loosing its oil charge over night. Not a major problem but it is annoying. You can either pull the head and extract the lifter. Or you can cut the pushrod tube "after you remove the pushrod" and get your lifter out this way. Of course then you have to buy the spring loaded pushrod tubes. I suggest pulling the head. When you go to adjust the valve clearance you want to tighten untill you have no play at the rocker arm and then tighten the screw ONE FULL TURN. VW used to say one and a half but they changed that a few years back. Anyway thats all there is to it After that they really shouldn't ever need adjustment (you gotta love hyd. lifters). Oh yeah Just narrow down what side of the engine the clack is coming from and replace the whole set. they aren't that spendy. If your really strapped for cash i have 16 here in good shape, you pay the shipping and i'll send some to ya

[This message has been edited by VWmadman (edited 05-26-2002).]