97 Jetta Ticking now Whacking

My daughter's 97 Jetta 2.0 with 110k miles was over heated pretty good a
little under a year ago. At that point it started ticking. It sounds like
just one thing, either the intake or exhaust valve/lifter/rod on just one
cylinder.

It has progressively worsened from a tick to a whack.

So, is this typical behavior if it were just a lifter? Do they get
progressively worse? Or, is it more likely some other melted part: rod,
valve, etc.

If only a lifter, I think I could manage that job, although advice is
graciously accepted.

There are no other symptoms from the overheating -- it doesn't burn oil at
an increased rate, there's no oil in the coolant or vice versa, there's no
leak from the head gasket.

I've tried increasing the oil change frequency and using CD2.

Thanks a bunch.

Scott

I have seen some overheated engines where the oil pump windage tray
(plastic) has melted and clogs the pickup screen creating a low oil pressure
situation and eventual engine failure. Looks like this
http://vwdoc1.tripod.com/personal/in...1.8_engine.jpg

So check that oil pressure NOW!
--
later,
dave
(One out of many daves)


"SBD" <sbd (AT) cox (DOT) net> wrote

My daughter's 97 Jetta 2.0 with 110k miles was over heated pretty good a
little under a year ago. At that point it started ticking. It sounds
like just one thing, either the intake or exhaust valve/lifter/rod on just
one cylinder.

It has progressively worsened from a tick to a whack.

So, is this typical behavior if it were just a lifter? Do they get
progressively worse? Or, is it more likely some other melted part: rod,
valve, etc.

If only a lifter, I think I could manage that job, although advice is
graciously accepted.

There are no other symptoms from the overheating -- it doesn't burn oil at
an increased rate, there's no oil in the coolant or vice versa, there's no
leak from the head gasket.

I've tried increasing the oil change frequency and using CD2.

Thanks a bunch.

Scott

Thanks for the advice and I will do that.

But, wouldn't all the lifters be affected then? The sound is clearly one of
eight.

And wouldn't the oil pressure light come on?

Scott

"dave AKA vwdoc1" <vwdoc1 (AT) hotmail (DOT) com> wrote

I have seen some overheated engines where the oil pump windage tray
(plastic) has melted and clogs the pickup screen creating a low oil
pressure situation and eventual engine failure. Looks like this
http://vwdoc1.tripod.com/personal/in...1.8_engine.jpg

So check that oil pressure NOW!
--
later,
dave
(One out of many daves)


"SBD" <sbd (AT) cox (DOT) net> wrote in message
news:GJ71i.138650$mJ1.92136 (AT) newsfe22 (DOT) lga...
My daughter's 97 Jetta 2.0 with 110k miles was over heated pretty good a
little under a year ago. At that point it started ticking. It sounds
like just one thing, either the intake or exhaust valve/lifter/rod on
just one cylinder.

It has progressively worsened from a tick to a whack.

So, is this typical behavior if it were just a lifter? Do they get
progressively worse? Or, is it more likely some other melted part: rod,
valve, etc.

If only a lifter, I think I could manage that job, although advice is
graciously accepted.

There are no other symptoms from the overheating -- it doesn't burn oil
at an increased rate, there's no oil in the coolant or vice versa,
there's no leak from the head gasket.

I've tried increasing the oil change frequency and using CD2.

Thanks a bunch.

Scott

SBD wrote:

My daughter's 97 Jetta 2.0 with 110k miles was over heated pretty good a
little under a year ago. At that point it started ticking. It sounds like
just one thing, either the intake or exhaust valve/lifter/rod on just one
cylinder.

It has progressively worsened from a tick to a whack.

So, is this typical behavior if it were just a lifter? Do they get
progressively worse? Or, is it more likely some other melted part: rod,
valve, etc.

If only a lifter, I think I could manage that job, although advice is
graciously accepted.

There are no other symptoms from the overheating -- it doesn't burn oil at
an increased rate, there's no oil in the coolant or vice versa, there's no
leak from the head gasket.

I've tried increasing the oil change frequency and using CD2.

Thanks a bunch.

Scott

In addition to the other reply you've received, is it possible that you
have a blown exhaust gasket and/or cracked manifold? Might want to try
feeling around under the hood with the engine running and see if you
feel little puffs of exhaust on your hand (careful, some of that stuff
is hot...)

nate

--
replace "roosters" with "cox" to reply.
http://members.cox.net/njnagel

Hmmm. Thanks; Ill check. But, I don't think so. Different sound. This is
top end I think.

I'd hate to open it up and find out it's not lifters. Do they typically
fail incrementally or at once?

I'm not sure I'd tackle a head myself.


"Nate Nagel" <njnagel (AT) roosters (DOT) net> wrote

SBD wrote:
My daughter's 97 Jetta 2.0 with 110k miles was over heated pretty good a
little under a year ago. At that point it started ticking. It sounds
like just one thing, either the intake or exhaust valve/lifter/rod on
just one cylinder.

It has progressively worsened from a tick to a whack.

So, is this typical behavior if it were just a lifter? Do they get
progressively worse? Or, is it more likely some other melted part: rod,
valve, etc.

If only a lifter, I think I could manage that job, although advice is
graciously accepted.

There are no other symptoms from the overheating -- it doesn't burn oil
at an increased rate, there's no oil in the coolant or vice versa,
there's no leak from the head gasket.

I've tried increasing the oil change frequency and using CD2.

Thanks a bunch.

Scott

In addition to the other reply you've received, is it possible that you
have a blown exhaust gasket and/or cracked manifold? Might want to try
feeling around under the hood with the engine running and see if you feel
little puffs of exhaust on your hand (careful, some of that stuff is
hot...)

nate

--
replace "roosters" with "cox" to reply.
http://members.cox.net/njnagel

I thought all owners immediately shut the engine off when the RED lamp has
been flashing for the last 50 miles?(lol)


"dave AKA vwdoc1" <vwdoc1 (AT) hotmail (DOT) com> wrote

I have seen some overheated engines where the oil pump windage tray
(plastic) has melted and clogs the pickup screen creating a low oil
pressure situation and eventual engine failure. Looks like this
http://vwdoc1.tripod.com/personal/in...1.8_engine.jpg

So check that oil pressure NOW!
--
later,
dave
(One out of many daves)


"SBD" <sbd (AT) cox (DOT) net> wrote in message
news:GJ71i.138650$mJ1.92136 (AT) newsfe22 (DOT) lga...
My daughter's 97 Jetta 2.0 with 110k miles was over heated pretty good a
little under a year ago. At that point it started ticking. It sounds
like just one thing, either the intake or exhaust valve/lifter/rod on
just one cylinder.

It has progressively worsened from a tick to a whack.

So, is this typical behavior if it were just a lifter? Do they get
progressively worse? Or, is it more likely some other melted part: rod,
valve, etc.

If only a lifter, I think I could manage that job, although advice is
graciously accepted.

There are no other symptoms from the overheating -- it doesn't burn oil
at an increased rate, there's no oil in the coolant or vice versa,
there's no leak from the head gasket.

I've tried increasing the oil change frequency and using CD2.

Thanks a bunch.

Scott

Yes I too would think that more than one lifter should be affected if the
oil pressure was low.
Yes that light may come on when the oil pressure is way too low, but at what
level and what rpm? If the pickup is partially blocked by a melted windage
tray then the oil pressure may only attain a certain pressure and volume and
stay that way throughout the rpm level of the engine. So if it is 10 psi at
idle with X pints per minute of volume, then it might not achieve 40 psi or
XXX pints of volume at 3000 rpm. It may only stay at 10 psi with X pints
per minutes at 3000 rpm = NOT GOOD! This may be enough to keep the oil
light off though but is really not enough for the engine.

If you listened and have determined that one lifter is bad then you can
probably determine which lifter it is after you pull off the valve cover.
Then that lifter will probably easily push down with a tool. To replace you
simply and carefully (Bentley instructions) remove the camshaft and replace
the lifter! Simple huh? lol
Yeah there are some procedures on carefully loosening up the bolts on the
camshaft along with reinstalling it. This is the most critical part of the
job and it is not difficult if you wish to do it yourself.
I am wondering why it is just one lifter and not more than one. Maybe just
a fluke and a little dirt got inside of the lifter and made it a
non-functioning lifter.

Now it could also be weak valve springs! I have not seen this yet on a VW
engine but I guess it is possible too. <g>
Cross that bridge if you come to it!

I like to know why a part fails! <g>
--
later,
dave
(One out of many daves)

"SBD" <sbd (AT) cox (DOT) net> wrote

Thanks for the advice and I will do that.

But, wouldn't all the lifters be affected then? The sound is clearly one
of eight.

And wouldn't the oil pressure light come on?

Scott

I listened and determined it is just one "thing", not necessarily a lifter.
I'm hoping it is a lifter as that's the easiest procedure. I'm just not
sure as I have not experienced this before. Can a failed lifter really be
this friggin loud?

Like most weekend warriors without the experience you have, to a certain
point I'm just throwing darts. I'm pretty good with theory and actually
doing the work, but diagnostics is a different matter and takes experience.
Someone with your experience may be able to just listen to the thing and
say, "No way that's a lifter, just replace the head." Or, "Yup, that's a
lifter, piece of cake."

Thanks.

Scott

"dave AKA vwdoc1" <vwdoc1 (AT) hotmail (DOT) com> wrote

Yes I too would think that more than one lifter should be affected if the
oil pressure was low.
Yes that light may come on when the oil pressure is way too low, but at
what level and what rpm? If the pickup is partially blocked by a melted
windage tray then the oil pressure may only attain a certain pressure and
volume and stay that way throughout the rpm level of the engine. So if it
is 10 psi at idle with X pints per minute of volume, then it might not
achieve 40 psi or XXX pints of volume at 3000 rpm. It may only stay at 10
psi with X pints per minutes at 3000 rpm = NOT GOOD! This may be enough
to keep the oil light off though but is really not enough for the engine.

If you listened and have determined that one lifter is bad then you can
probably determine which lifter it is after you pull off the valve cover.
Then that lifter will probably easily push down with a tool. To replace
you simply and carefully (Bentley instructions) remove the camshaft and
replace the lifter! Simple huh? lol
Yeah there are some procedures on carefully loosening up the bolts on the
camshaft along with reinstalling it. This is the most critical part of
the job and it is not difficult if you wish to do it yourself.
I am wondering why it is just one lifter and not more than one. Maybe
just a fluke and a little dirt got inside of the lifter and made it a
non-functioning lifter.

Now it could also be weak valve springs! I have not seen this yet on a VW
engine but I guess it is possible too. <g
Cross that bridge if you come to it!

I like to know why a part fails! <g
--
later,
dave
(One out of many daves)

"SBD" <sbd (AT) cox (DOT) net> wrote in message
news:W791i.138705$mJ1.105231 (AT) newsfe22 (DOT) lga...
Thanks for the advice and I will do that.

But, wouldn't all the lifters be affected then? The sound is clearly one
of eight.

And wouldn't the oil pressure light come on?

Scott

Some actually just sit and watch the pretty light show! lol

"Lost In Space/Woodchuck" <newsgroupmail1 (AT) wildblue (DOT) net> wrote

I thought all owners immediately shut the engine off when the RED lamp has
been flashing for the last 50 miles?(lol)

"SBD" <sbd (AT) cox (DOT) net> wrote

Hmmm. Thanks; Ill check. But, I don't think so. Different sound. This
is top end I think.

I'd hate to open it up and find out it's not lifters. Do they typically
fail incrementally or at once?

I'm not sure I'd tackle a head myself.

Is the noise on acceleration only or anytime the engine is on?