Mk1 golf tappet noise

So I took my car into the garage with what sounded like the tappets, I got the tappets replaced yet there is still this noise does anyone know what it could be?


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Year and model, along with engine size.

Please do keep it in mind that when the engine is run from cold they do tend to rattle a little bit because all the oil is down the bottom.

In general I've found that you can here them for 30 to 60 seconds but if it's longer it's going to be another issue clearly like adjustment, replacement etc.  

1992 think it's a fashionline, 1.8


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Dazrodge said

1992 think it's a fashionline, 1.8


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What colour?  😂😉

It was originally a lilac colour but the last owner got it sprayed, but the engine bay and spare wheel are the original colour, it's a LHD


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What oil are you putting in the car?

How old is the oil, if older than 12 months or 10,000 miles change it.

Did the garage soak the new tappets in oil for a day before fitting them as its best to get them filled up with oil before fitting them?

If not you may find the tappets will quieten down after a week or two.

It was originally a lilac colour but the last owner got it sprayed, but the engine bay and spare wheel are the original colour, it's a LHD


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mark1gls said

What oil are you putting in the car?

How old is the oil, if older than 12 months or 10,000 miles change it.

Did the garage soak the new tappets in oil for a day before fitting them as its best to get them filled up with oil before fitting them?

If not you may find the tappets will quieten down after a week or two.

I've not long bought it mate so haven't done nothing to it, I just straight to the garage and he said it sounds like the tappets so I bought new ones from euro carparts which they come in little tubs soaked in oil, but he said it sounds like it's coming from the bottom of the engine


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I would change the fluids, oil, coolant, brake fluid and gearbox oil if you don't know when they was last changed.
New fuel filer as well.
New cam belt and tensioner if you have no idea when that was last done.

Very good oil 10W40 semi synthetic.
AVS Car Parts

Use a good quality oil filter.
Genuine VW
Genuine 056115561G Oil Filter | AVS Car Parts
Or a MANN filter are good

No problem thanks a lot mate I had the timing belt changed with my tappets


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All of the above as Mark mentioned plus if you do the Cam belt I'd do the water pump at the same time for the very same reason you would do any of the above.

That and with the Cam belt off etc.  It makes changing the pump which is not expensive a very quick and simple job! 😉👍

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No problem mate thanks I'll get all them sorted


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Hydraulic tappets on the 90, so that is a Oil Pressure issue and or timing.  I have one that makes noise when the timing is a wee bit off from the bottom end.

What I would suggest besides a Higher Vis oil, and I love Castrol 20W50 with any of the following filters.
PureolaterGold, Wix, VW, Mahl, Mann, STP or Mobile1, as friends don't let friends use Generic, Store Branded, Bosch, or Fram filters.

That you add a Pint of Marvel Mystery Oil, or Seafoam Engine Treatment… Drive it for about 400 miles then change the oil.  The MMO of Seafoam should clean out the oil Passages that may have old grimey oil and are restrictive….  

There is a link I will link on how to set the timing correctly using but a DVOM.  It is for CIS-E or Digifants

My buddy Ron, wrote this and has a wealth of helpful tips and links on his site.  I as well as two others, one of  was a true " NASA Rocket Scientist" Validated the writeup, it is easy and after setting it statically to 6BTDC (runs better at 4, but gets 19 vs 22 MPG (yes I have an auto) You set the hall flag to make or break at 11V….

Static Ignition Timing on VW A1 and A2 DigiFant Engines.

I'll try that thanks for your help


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Don't bother changing the water pump as the Mk1 is not like modern cars where the water pump is berried in the engine and run from the cam belt, the water pump is on the front of the engine and is run from the alternator belt and is easy to get to and change. You only need to change it if it's faulty so save your money for other stuff.  

had the same problem few days ago. tappets were so loud it sounded like a diesel engine.

one bottle of that and drove her a bit, and now it's gone. just serviced the car last month

Briano1234 said

Hydraulic tappets on the 90, so that is a Oil Pressure issue and or timing.  I have one that makes noise when the timing is a wee bit off from the bottom end.

What I would suggest besides a Higher Vis oil, and I love Castrol 20W50 with any of the following filters.
PureolaterGold, Wix, VW, Mahl, Mann, STP or Mobile1, as friends don't let friends use Generic, Store Branded, Bosch, or Fram filters.

That you add a Pint of Marvel Mystery Oil, or Seafoam Engine Treatment… Drive it for about 400 miles then change the oil.  The MMO of Seafoam should clean out the oil Passages that may have old grimey oil and are restrictive….  

There is a link I will link on how to set the timing correctly using but a DVOM.  It is for CIS-E or Digifants

My buddy Ron, wrote this and has a wealth of helpful tips and links on his site.  I as well as two others, one of  was a true " NASA Rocket Scientist" Validated the writeup, it is easy and after setting it statically to 6BTDC (runs better at 4, but gets 19 vs 22 MPG (yes I have an auto) You set the hall flag to make or break at 11V….

Static Ignition Timing on VW A1 and A2 DigiFant Engines.

I think it's an oil pressure issue because now when I'm out driving after 20 minutes the oil pressure drops and then the flashing light comes on and makes that buzzing noise


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What Vis of Oil, and what kind of filter.

These little 4bangers love 10w40 or my personal favorite 20W50 Castrol, and a non-store branded/Generic/Fram/Bosch filter.

Now the Buzzing issue could be the 2.8bar sensor, if the car is running at speed.  If it is at idle then it is the 3bar switch and possible the oil pressure sensor on the side for the head as in the Can with two wires.

Get it pressure tested via a mechanical gauge, as it could be a sign that your Pressure Relief valve may have failed in the oil pump.

I'll get it sent into the garage this week and see what there saying as I need to do a full service on it myself 1st before it goes in, I've got 10w40 oil from euro think it's only gulf though, what filter am I best buying?


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