Club 80-90 Forums

Hi all, this is probably a question that has been asked a million times before,but after leaving my van for more than two or three days, when i start her up there is a noisy tappet.
It takes a run of a couple of miles to get rid of the noise, then its fine.I realise this is a sticking hydraulic tappet, but does this require a strip down or just a flush and oil change? anyone else had this problem? cheers

Drive it! 10 miles usually frees it up.

try changing the oil to a semi synthetic. I use castrol magnatec and it seems to work.

I wouldn't use semi synthetic these old engines don't like it.

I used the semi and started to experience tappet noise if the van wasn't used regularly. Seems to be a common problem but not serious. Will go back to mineral next oil change.

I had this problem on and off and ended up replacing one offending hyd follower, still have another one rap away now and again if the vans been standing for more than 4 or 5 days but since ive been using a 20/50 grade oil the problem isnt as bad and the follower soon pumps back up after a few miles..
I use the cheap 20/50 oil from GSF, its about £7 a can so its affordable enough to change on a regular basis and a bonus is the engine runs quieter and smoother since using 20/50.

Thanks a lot guys, about to do an oil change so will bear that in mind, cheers.

Hi
Excuse my thickness, but I have had a similar intermittent tappet noise on start up after leaving the van for a while.
Will my 1.9 water engine 1987 (In an autohomes Komet if that helps)have the hydraulic tappets?
Thanks
Andy

Hi
Your 1987 1.9 water engine will certainly have hydraulic tappets. I've had my 1985 1.9 waterboxer since new and over the years heard the clattering noise many many times. It first happened still under warranty and scared me no end!
It doesn't seem to follow any particular routine and perhaps may only occur 3 or 4 times a year (in a good year) or it can happen twice in one month.
It usually goes in the first few hundred yards but can go on much longer. I do treat it fairly gently while is making a noise and avoid hard acceleration etc. It is mentioned in the my original VW Instruction Manual as a 'rattle' which is 'harmless'.
It certainly doesn't appear to do any damage and my van is running as good as ever.

Thanks BMEC, my heart sank when I first heard the noise and I had mole grips and hermatite nightmares (the incompetent mechanics essentials ).
Can sleep safe and drive more.
Thanks again.
Andy