Hydraulic tappet problem - how to stop it happening again

[mr2allotments]

Hi

Two weekends ago i moved my T25 1.9 AutoSleeper out of the drive and then back again to give it a good clean. The engine has been widely admired as being really quiet and smooth, but last Sunday i went to drive it and it sounded like a large bag of nails were being pushed down a steep staircase with a megaphone attached! I was afraid that it had blown a piston, the big end had gone, etc as it really did sound so bad!

Following advice from this forum and friends at the HertsVW club i decided that the poroblem was due to a hydraulic tappet draining oil .... so last night i took her out for a very gentle drive. At exactly 8 miles, all at a steady 40mph, she sounded like new again so i am very, very releived.

I'm really surprised that the engine has these sort of problems so wondered:

1. How often is this likely to happen?
2. What can i do to prevent this from happening again?

Chris

[T'Onion]

drive it more often , once a week at least , change the oil more often

[Aidan]

it'll happen anytime you lay the vehicle up, one or more hydraulic follwers is loosing pressure.
Oil change may help but if not due then don't worry, 15W/40 or some peeps go for 20w/50, but remedy is to use the vehicle, they don't like being stood they were designed to be daily drivers, 100k miles throw it away buy a T4 design brief. Do the shopping in it or take the kids to karate/swimming etc.. every week. More noticeable during cold weather.
Might be worth checking preload on tappets if it becomes a problem but I wouldn't worry if it is normally great

[happy camper]

Mines done this a couple of times and since i,ve been adding half a bottle of redex petrol system cleaner once a month its run like a dream, might be worth a try

[dugcati]

put solid lifters in it!

[Red Westie]

I have noticed that this happens especially after a long run...where the engine has been stopped with the oil hot and and thin.
I have also noticed this is more likely to happen if you use a thinner oil...10W 40 instead of the heavier 15W 40 recommended.
Martin

[boatdog]

hi all i have a 1.9 wasserboxer and every now and again i have had the same problem as above sounds really bad but after reading this on the forum am a bit happier that its not serious, been taking the kids to karate in the camper as the forum advised on here but she says at 27 shes to old for karate any one got any suggestions what else i should do?

[dugcati]

hi all i have a 1.9 wasserboxer and every now and again i have had the same problem as above sounds really bad but after reading this on the forum am a bit happier that its not serious, been taking the kids to karate in the camper as the forum advised on here but she says at 27 shes to old for karate any one got any suggestions what else i should do?

Use it! get out and camp in it, do the shopping in it, go to work in it....love it

[Aidan]

but she says at 27 shes to old for karate any one got any suggestions what else i should do?

Samba lessons

[CovKid]

I think all of the above tips are good. In fact Chickenkoop and I go for at least one short run a week regardless of weather. Sometimes we'll just pick a destination (however uninteresting) and just make a cuppa the other end and chat. Its all about the convoy spirit and enjoying the ride. Find someone to 'buddy' with and make it a regular run out. Its good for the vehicle and good for you.

[kevtherev]

yep.. just go for a drive