Should a W-reg Volkswagen 1.4-litre Golf have audibly noisy tappets?

I'm looking at a W-reg Volkswagen 1.4 Golf. Should I be worried about noisy tappets? I can hear them not just when it starts but all the time, particularly on acceleration in low gear?

Asked on 27 June 2010 by LizzieG

Answered by Honest John

A lot of these cars have a life of short runs from cold and are highly prone to condensation inside the engine (sludge under the oil filler cap). As a result the hydraulic tappets can't pump up. An oil flush and fresh oil might cure it, but not if there is more permanent damage to the tappets.

Tags: tappets short journeys noise

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