TheSamba.com :: View topic - tried searching still not sure(aircooled content)

Thu Jul 24, 2008 5:43 pm

so the right head area is making a strange sound and looks a little oily , but its not burning oil but seems to be leaking a little not quite sure but just confused on this. Can any of you help?

Thu Jul 24, 2008 5:58 pm

Define "strange sound".

Where is it leaking oil from?

Valve cover?

Below that from the pushrod tubes?

Can you clean the engine really well to determine the location?

Thu Jul 24, 2008 5:59 pm

it sounded like valve cover area and it sounded like a vibrating type of sound i cleaned the bottom of my engine area wasn't leaking and then ran it still wasn't leaking haha so i'm just a little confused

Thu Jul 24, 2008 6:06 pm

Suggestion....

Make sure you have a spare set of valve covers and go in there and zero out the hyrdaulic lifters. They should be done ~ 12,000 miles or so.

Go here and read up http://www.ratwell.com/technical/HydraulicLifters.html

Also are you using a Mahle or Mann oil filter? They have a check valve that helps keep the lifters properly pumped up.

Thu Jul 24, 2008 6:08 pm

hmmmm i think it may be the lifters cause i've had this vanagon for about 12 or 13k miles so i will check that and it makes sense so i'll check that tommorow when i have drive way space since i'm only 18 and live at home and the drive way is full haha

Thu Jul 24, 2008 6:14 pm

Make sure you spend some quality time cleaning the valve covers. You want that "lip" to be absolutely clean and straight/flat. Use some 000 steel wool and make sure that it is 100% clean.

Make sur ethe bales that hold the VC on there are holding it tightly across the whole VC. Sometimes you have to take them out and apply some more bend to at the bench vise.

I like to bed my new cork gaskets in a dusting of Hylomaror wheel bearing grease to make sure that they do not move on me as I am trying to get the bale back on there. Also make sure the VW logo on the VC is pointed down when you go to re-install.

Thu Jul 24, 2008 6:17 pm

ok cool i'll try that tommorow, so do this on the left and right side? valvecover gasket good place to buy em at?

Thu Jul 24, 2008 6:20 pm

It really depends on where you are at in Colorado.

I have to buy mine on the interweb. Buy 4 so you will have some in your tool box. About $1 each.

Thu Jul 24, 2008 6:22 pm

cool i'm about 20-25 min outside denver shorter if no traffic i'm in littleton but were do you buy em on the interweb?

Thu Jul 24, 2008 6:39 pm

I get mine here....

http://www.busdepot.com/details.jsp?partnumber=021101481

but there has to be somebody right there that has type 4 valve cover gaskets. By 2 and do both sides.

Thu Jul 24, 2008 6:41 pm

ok cool thanks alot very much appreciated!!