Strange Engine Noise - Is it Tappets?

[Dubmeister]

Every now and again the engine when started up sounds like a bag of rattley old spanners and doesn't sound like it should for about 5 miles of use. It seems to do it after the van hasn't been used for a few days. I can't remember it doing it in the first 2-3 years of ownership. I presume it must be tappets. Have owned van probably 4 years now.

Is it terminal or can it be easily fixed?

Thanks.

[wehey]

Mine does the same esp if it been sitting for a while and after a few mins of running it clears up. It sticky tappets i believe.

Ive been told to try an oil additive or use a thinner oil when doing a change next.

[Dan Wood]

Pretty normal with these engines, and nothing to worry about.

Basically, the hydraulic tappets drain down when the engine is stood so they are not fully 'pumped up' during the first few minutes of running. This means there is some extra lash in the valve train which makes it a bit noisy.

Once the tappets have pressurised and start doing their job, they remove the gaps in the system and it quietens down.

Only time to worry is when they make that noise and it won't go away after you've been driving for a while!

[kevtherev]

Ive been told to try an oil additive or use a thinner oil when doing a change next.

erm ..not for me , use the recommended viscosity and for the higher mileage engines a good branded 20/50 (Duckhams...Castrol..etc) will quieten the tappets somewhat
changing the oil and filter regularly will prolong engine life

the noise you hear is quite normal as dan has said

[Flibbertigibbet]

I use 15/40 oil in my Aircooled beast

[toomanytoys]

A good normal 15w40 (vw's own Quantum is very good) or Castrol GTX 15w50, or a 20w50... never use anything thinner.. it wont work...

[Dubmeister]

Thanks for that. I will change the oil and stop worrying.