Engine sounds odd

[sarahandthebear]

Hey guys we have a 1984 petrol 1.9 dg westfalia sport joker that we bought and drove back from Wales to the midlands about 3 weeks ago. So far we have started her up everyday but have not been driving her because we have to get the fuel tank changed which is happening next week. We have changed the spark plugs which were a good colour and the air filter we still need to change the oil and filter as it is very old and almost like tar. Anyway we started her up again yeasterday and there was a very noisy tapping sound coming from the back of the van almost as if someone with a tiny hammer was hitting on a metal part of the engine. It happens when Idaling and when you exclerate. I went to the back and lay under the van and it dose sound like the exhaust but I really can't be to sure, the exhaust itself is in a bad state very rusty so will need changing but we're just making sure it's nothing to serious as she will be on the road soon. There is no smoke coming from the exhaust and the water levels are fine along with the oil we do have oil sometimes a little droplet on the bottom of the engine but I think I can see it's from the pushrods

[jrt]

If everything else seems ok apart from the exhaust it could be tappet drain. Just needs a good drive to get them quiet again. Quite common if the van is laid up for a bit. We've had it once or twice, got a bit worried the first time we heard it.
David.

[jrt]

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David

[sarahandthebear]

Thanks David yeah that sounds about right before we bought her she sat for two years and has been sat on our drive for 3 weeks not really being warmed up so we will give her a good drive thanks for putting our mind at rest

[what2do]

I've just this afternoon put an engine in my van that has been stood for over 6 months, fired up immediately but by god it did rattle for a while!!! Had a bit of a heart stopping moment when I heard a large regular metallic knocking, then I realised it was my son in the garden with a hammer! Huge relief.

[Highroller]

The old oil won't be helping either, I would get this and the oil filter changed ASAP.