[Vwdiesel] New lifter rap at high rpms, no more eco bliss

[Bryan Belman]

As I have learned over my 20 some years I have
repaired and driven VW's; when you say how great
something is running 3 time in 1 month to different
folks, you get bit.

I had a slight lifter rap from day one, now 5K miles
later, it is much worse after really gunning it the
other day to blow out the pipes.

Only 1 lifter but which one?

I also am sure I am getting low compression from a
valve leak until the cylinder heats up, then runs fine
after a minute or so of some smoke, if no block
heater.  glow plugs and timing confirmed good.

So, what are my options here, I don't feel good
driving the car.  Lifter wrap at 2500rpms and higher.

The head was in real bad shape when I got the car.
7 bent valves, ugly cam lobes, broken lifters.
I had to weld rods to 4 of the lifters to get them
out, the were pierced by the valve stem.
So, new valve guides, valve seats ground, new cam, new
lifters, 7 new TD valves.  New valves from various
sources, so that could be an issue.

At best........
1. Do a compression test to find the bad cyl.
2. Take cam out and look at lifters in that cyl. to
see issue?
3. Replace lifter or lifters
4. Deal with the no compression until hot and fires

Other option.
1. Take the head off and send it to an expert shop for
diagnoses, maybe Alluminum head rebuilders in
Portland, OR.
I am sure it is a decent head yet, no warping.

Errrr
Comments and suggestions welcome.
Thanks, Bryan



Bryan Belman, Pt Pleasant, NJ
04 Jetta Wagon TDI PD, 100hp, 5sp   -- running :)
82 Diesel Westy 1.9NA               -- running :)
92 Jetta 1.6 Eco-Turbo Diesel       -- running :)
90 Audi 200, 2.2L Turbo FWD         -- stripping for parts now :(
70 Type 1 stock Beetle              -- Not running well :(