Hi guys,

I have a 1990 VW Caddy 1.8 (HV). I had an oil leak from the rear main seal so I replaced all seals and gaskets with Victor Reinz Kit as well as I had the cylinder head reconditioned with the valves and valve guides and it was skimmed. Since reassembling the engine I went from using Shell Helix HX5 High Mileage (25W - 40) oil to Shell Helix HX5 (15W - 40) and what I am experiencing now is a ticking noise from the cylinder head on acceleration and it gets louder with at higher rpm's, but it goes away (or slightly quieter) when I'm off throttle . Self-diagnosis tells me is that its bad hydraulic lifters.

If I am correct, I got quotes from GW and Alert. Which would be the better purchase?

GW
INA - R 78 each - R 624 (Kit)
Meyle - R 90 each - R 720 (kit)

Alert
Jap Tech - R 40 each - R 320 (kit)

Ina make. Period. That's all.

Thanks Panic!

While I agree with choosing INA as a brand >>if<< the lifters need replacement, I disagree with the diagnosis. Lifter noise is not dependent on engine load. (I mean, just think about it for a moment.)

I would bet that you have a slight leak on the exhaust manifold.

In that case I should probably have that looked at first before I go out and by lifters.

I do agree with VAG Fan, sounds like it could be a pinging noise you are hearing. That is just my 2c.

kylebassani wrote:I do agree with VAG Fan, sounds like it could be a pinging noise you are hearing. That is just my 2c.

yeah... you did have the head skimmed.... not sure but I've heard that you can get a thicker head gasket to stop pinging on these engines?

Post a video of the motor at idle. That way we can listen to the noise and direct you where the noise is coming from.

One other thing to check depending how much was skimmed off from the head, check where the exhaust manifold bottom holes are and if you use the smooth metal exhaust gaskets that they are not catching on the block or head gasket preventing from a good seal on the head and leaking there.

PapaJo wrote:Post a video of the motor at idle. That way we can listen to the noise and direct you where the noise is coming from.

One other thing to check depending how much was skimmed off from the head, check where the exhaust manifold bottom holes are and if you use the smooth metal exhaust gaskets that they are not catching on the block or head gasket preventing from a good seal on the head and leaking there.

I will do that ASAP. I am using the metal gaskets but I did check if they were catching and it seemed to have cleared but I also have the semi-metal gaskets that came with the gasket kit, perhaps they might seal better.

So just an update. I tried to record a video but the sound was kak but it turned out that the branch was not locked tight enough.

Thanks for the help guys, really appreciate it

Spelwan88 wrote:So just an update. I tried to record a video but the sound was kak but it turned out that the branch was not locked tight enough.

Thanks for the help guys, really appreciate it

Good to know you found the problem

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kylebassani wrote:

Spelwan88 wrote:So just an update. I tried to record a video but the sound was kak but it turned out that the branch was not locked tight enough.

Thanks for the help guys, really appreciate it

Good to know you found the problem

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

Great stuff!!

Was this on the studs holding / fastening the branch on to the head?

Yeah it was, turns out that my mate didn't put the spring washers on, neither did he turn the bolts more than just hand tight

Spelwan88 wrote:Yeah it was, turns out that my mate didn't put the spring washers on, neither did he turn the bolts more than just hand tight

Facepalm your friend