What's this tapping sound?

[ScienceBoy]

Seems to be coming from under the carb

[ScienceBoy]

I took a video but it doesn't seem I can upload from iPhone.

[kevtherev]

is it louder under the van?

[ScienceBoy]

Difficult to say. Perhaps. Sounds quieter now it's warmer. Sounds like it's coming from the lh bonnet.

[ScienceBoy]

Perhaps it's always been like that??? :s

[kevtherev]

It's just a lifter pumping up.
When did you change the oil last?

[itchyfeet]

Yes probably a lifter (tappet)
But could also be a pin hole in the exhaust ( happened to me)
A bearing fail in the alternator ( happened to me)
Fuel pump failure ( happened to somebody on here recently)

[CovKid]

or a passenger drumming their fingers on the dashboard because you've been faffing around in the engine bay and not pulled off yet.

[ScienceBoy]

Well I think it went away. Oil was changed just under a year ago I think. Went away to a festival that day and remained bladdered all weekend. Other than a pants cold idle it's all going ok. Mot this week so I'll get them the tune it up too. Thanks all. I'll let you know if anything untoward happens.

[kevtherev]

Oil was changed just under a year ago I think.

VW recommends every 5000 miles or 6 months (whichever is sooner) for a reason.
If your not changing the oil regularly, then I will guess you'll be letting us know on here sooner rather than later

[ScienceBoy]

Every 6 months?!? Crikey

[ScienceBoy]

Hasn't been noisy since. Must have been a bit dry while the lifters pumped up the oil.
Happy days