What is the tapping noise in the engine of an air cooled vw transporter?

There is a tapping noise in the engine of a 1982 2L air cooled vw transporter with twin carbies rather than fuel injection when it idols. What is the noise and could this be a problem.|||If the noise goes away when you raise the engine speed, most likely is a valve lifter. This is common to happen on that type of engine if sit for too long, if you drive the van for about 15 minutes and the noise still there, then you need to investigate if is a bad lifter, the valves need adjustment or there is something bend or worn out on the valve train. About the guy saying to switch back to solid lifters? I do not recommended.|||If it's out near the heads, you probably have flat lifters. That foray into pump-up lifters wasn't all that successful. Good news is if you still have bumps on your cam, you can switch back to solids lifters and adjustable rockers.





If the nois is center line, your loosing a rod or main bearing and should get right on it as it will only get real expensive if you ruin the crank and block.