Noisy tappets.

Hello,
got a 1989 cabby gti and I know that all golfs of this age have tappet noise when cold but these are louder than any other I've ever owned, they do go completely silent as soon as the car's warmed up though.  Does this mean that they're ok?
Cheers,
Glen

It means that the hydraulic tappets need to be cleaned or replaced as the thicker colder oil can't get into them.  There is a really good how to that deals with removal, testing and cleaning on the net somewhere - not sure where though.

ok, thanks.  I'd better start getting my hands dirty again.