[Vwdiesel] Hydraulic lifter question

[LBaird119 at aol.com]

  I agree, check for glow plugs first. A "flat" lifter will simply clatter
and
cause a slight loss in efficiency.  If the valve stems are the wrong
length due to grinding them and/or the seats then you could have
a tight valve (low compression) and it will be more noticeable when
cold.
  The second thing I'd check would be timing then injectors.
     Loren