loud Ticking noise

[crazyroot]

So I'm new to diesels and I know they are noisy engines, but my 1991 jetta sounds quiet when cold, but as it warms up I start to here a loud ticking noise that changes with rpm. It almost sounds like a lifter tick. is this normal for the 1.6 or is it something i should check out?

[82vdub]

My old winter 86 Jetta with a hydraulic head had the same noise. I never investigated it and ran it that way for 4 winters without any issue. I just figured it was a lifter tick of some type.

[TylerDurden]

What type/weight of oil?

I would consider an oil-pressure gauge, to ensure there is adequate pressure.

I have a 91 ECO engine that I just replaced all lifters because of ticking. It's mostly gone now, but I'm still getting a pressure gauge anyway.

It may be a bad valve guide or spring. When I did the head gasket, one lifter was collapsed - so that valve is suspect. I should have replaced ALL the lifters then. :-/ It takes me a couple hours to swap them, because the camshaft has to come off and the valve timing needs to be set afterwards.

[Diesel Dean]

Yep I would check oil pressure as well, my first thought was the bearing on the intermediate shaft.