Re: CQ Lifters cont.

[John Larson <jdlarson@ix.netcom.com>]

Derek, I share Tim's opinion. I'd park the car and politely but firmly suggest
that all is not well with your relationship with them. While I'm not familiar
with the specifics of this particular head gasket, an incorrect (or incorrectly
installed) head gasket can cause this problem, as can a passage blocked by
debris not fully removed after the surface of the block was cleaned. In some VW
applications, the head gasket can easily be installed upside down, effectively
blocking oil from the head.
I believe the oil leak is incidental to the pressure problem, and is of no
consequence to the real problem. Low oil pressure immediately after work of this
nature can most often be attributed to something gone awry with the work, not a
previously existing problem. Pressure low enough to cause a lifter problem will
most certainly lead to other, more pervasive problems in the near future. In all
likelihood, the ultimate problem is restricted oil flow to the head, and should
be addressed immediately, and at the expense of the service facility. As a shop
owner, I know that this is a hard thing for a shop to face, but I really think
they need to bite the bullet and do it.
John

Daily,DerekSJMCG wrote:

> Well...
>
> What to do?  The car is back but extremely noisy.  Very, very loud lifter(s)
> (tappet,cam follower) problem.  Other, perhaps related, issues include:
>
> -  I see what appears to be oil emerging from the valve cover gasket area.
> Did NOT wipe it off to see if it is merely remaining and to see if new oil
> would emerge.  Wanted to have something to show.
> -  Oil pressure indicator (FWIW) now reads MUCH lower than before the head
> R&Regrind.  Used to indicate up to 5 BAR under full throttle (WOT?), now
> does not pass 3.25 BAR.  Similarly, indicated pressure never dropped below
> 1.5 BAR, even at idle.  Now indicating 1 BAR at idle.
> -  Some difficulty starting.
> -  ABS pulsation which was "fixed" with new sensor ($$$) very few days prior
> to this incident is now back.  Makes me wonder about the plastic cap issue.
>
> Now the list of IFs:
> -  IF the VC gasket was failed or incorrectly reinstalled, that's a definite
> "Fix It on Their Time"(FITT).
> -  IF the oil baffle being loose is responsible (likely?) for the oil
> pressure reading to be so low, that's still a "Customer Pays" (CP) issue and
> I'm glad to pay it.
> -  IF Phil's guess about incorrect head gasket install is correct this may
> account for oil deprivation, noisy lifters and oil on the driver's side
> head. (FITT)
> -  IF the lifters are to be replaced I feel a bit in limbo.  The lifters
> were definitely NOT this noisy (I can hear the damned thing at hwy speeds
> from behind the wheel) prior to work.  But, they were not quiet hence my
> requests to check them.  Really don't feel right about paying the 3.9 book
> hours for lifter replace at entirely CP.  Am I wrong to feel this way?
>
> I know a few of the good wrenches on this list get upset about some customer
> expectations, I look to you for your opinions on this issue.
>
> Thanks as always,
>
> Derek Daily
> 90 CQ