Greetings + CU Engine Noise // Valves?

[rjenkinson]

Hello, long-time lurker, first time posting... My name is Rich and I'm currently working to get my camper back on the road, here in Berlin. 

The van has been off the road for around 3 years, (slowly) having bodywork done. Before this, it ran without issue. It has relatively low mileage of 118k km, and as far as i know, is completely stock.

After getting it back from the body workshop, I performed a basic service on the engine, oil and filter change, new air filter, replaced the cracked connection from the airbox to RHS carb, new spark plugs, compression test, new ethanol-proof fuel lines, new battery, and a gearbox oil change. I had to replace the mechanical fuel pump, but after that it started up just fine. I attempted a basic carb setup to get it idling lower/smoother, which went well. I will perform a carb rebuild/proper setup once it is back on the road with all the correct paperwork.

I've gathered loads of great info from this helpful website, but I feel the need to ask the first of probably many questions as I work through this project.

I spent the weekend insulating and rust-protecting the interior, and before leaving the garage, I thought I would start the engine. I am used to the usual tappy noise when it hasn't been run for a while, in this case about a month, but this time the noise didn't go away, and possibly sounded louder than usual? I drove around for around 10 mins in 1st/2nd gear to warm up the engine, but the noise remained so I turned it off after filming the video below.. to avoid any possible damage.



I would assume that this noise is the valves somewhere on the RHS, but can valves clearances go suddenly out of spec when it hasn't been driven? it didn't make this continued noise a month ago, last time I checked. I would really appreciate some advise on what to do next? start with setting the valve clearances? check the oil pressure? just assume that the hydraulic lifters have drained of oil?

thanks in advance, 
Rich

[simonmarsh]

Hello - I have the same engine and the same issue when stood for a month or more - have you tried running it and taking roundabouts / turning in a car park sharply? I have been told to by my local VW garage and it does work - best not to over rev when the engine is making this noise and it's the hydraulic lifters.
Hope this helps (doubtful!) and good luck.

[rjenkinson]

thanks for the reply Simon.. I haven't tried that trick, but I'll give it a go for sure. I also just checked in the Haynes manual and found this at the end of the "Hydraulic tappets - initial setting" section..

"When the engine is started the tappets will be initially noisy and it may be some time after the engine has started before all the noise disappears completely. This is quite normal and is no cause for alarm."

so maybe I have nothing to worry about? I think I will check that the tappets don't have clearance anyway..