Noooo! Reg is not well, help!

[nehpets13]

Hi all,

Well after Reg (1983 2.0 Aircooled) went and burnt out his ignition switch and I replaced it he then wouldn't start?

New starter motor fitted and still wouldn't start?

Off to garage, found new starter faulty and replaced it, has now started but there is a strange banging noise coming from the engine?????

Off to see Reg later and listen to the engine but does anyone know what it could be? Bus was driving like a dream before the ignition and hasn't been used since so its a bit of a mystery to be honest.

Anyone got any ideas or let me know what to listen for so I can tell what it is?

Stephen (not a happy bunny as skint) Russell

[Ian Hulley]

Does 'Reg' *snigger* have hydraulic tappets ? If so how long has 'he' been parked up ? It could just be tappet drain-down.

Ian

[nehpets13]

Hi,

Have no idea lol but will check, got to be something simple as it was a beautiful drive, been laid up for about 3 months!

Stephen

[Mocki]

Reg * more sniggers* needs a oil and filter change and a 20mile run I would think.....

[California Dreamin]

Given that Reg was running well before the ignition/starter issues then Ians suggestion of a noisey hydraulic tappet seems the most likely cause of this noise.

Over time the hydraulic lifters can 'drain off' and make an awful clattering noise when first started. They often fool the most experienced of mechanics if they are unfamiliar with these engine types.

Trouble is.....the only real way of 'pumping' the elements up is to drive it hard (don't go mad but it will need reving a bit) and get it hot, so don't be suprised if it takes 15-20 minutes before eventually going quiet.
An oil & filter change 15W40 mineral would also be a good idea.

Martin

[nehpets13]

Cheers guys,

I will have a chat with the garage, although he isnt a VW specialist but recco'ed to me.

If all else fails how much to have an engine reconned and is there anyone in Herts that is well good like? lol

[Ian Hulley]

Cheers guys,

I will have a chat with the garage, although he isnt a VW specialist but recco'ed to me.

If all else fails how much to have an engine reconned and is there anyone in Herts that is well good like? lol

That won't be neccesary ... just make sure they don't fill it with semi/fully synthetic oil. 15w/40 MINERAL oil only.

Ian

[California Dreamin]

As we have said...don't be talked into a new engine without first changing the oil MINERAL 15W40 (nothing thinner).....and actually driven (not just reved up in his garage) for at least 20 minutes, giving it some load and revs...it must get hot in order to purge the lifters of air.

Martin

[nehpets13]

Well I popped down to see Reg and apart from a starting problem which looks like a faulty module the engine actually turned over and the knocking was not as bad as I had thought!

Explained to matey boy about hydraulic tappets and light bulb went off in his head lol

So fingers crossed when starting issue is sorted and slave cylinder plus full service it looks like Reg will be well again

Can't wait to get him back and continue using him and working on the interior etc.

Cheers for all the info.