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[JC]

Right, the valver is currently parked up since its got a  " alledged " tappet / lifter issue.

I have been told by 5 people including 2 time served VW Techs that its the lifters, at least  in one area.

but now 2 other people say it isnt, and could be a more serious engine issue.

So, I have options .

1, get all new lifters fitted either @ a garage of by one of the very nice men on here.  - Costly option and wont neccesarilly fix the thing. 

2, use the set of lifters from my spare engine - was a known healthy engine on removal ( only got the guys word on this ) , cheaper than option one and if it DOES cure it i can always get new ones fitted at a later date.

3, get a set of lifters from elsewhere ( danny you still got them ? ) to prove the fault diagnosis as per option 2.

4, give up and break the fcuking thing 

Awaits the abuse, and then the 3 or 4 helpful posts 

[Mew]

I'd go with option 2 to start. It's the cheapest option (free!) 

[JC]

yeah, was the way i am heading, will stick a new cambelt and tensioner on mind, incase it cures it [finger crossing mod on ]

[AudiA8Quattro]

I would go with option 2.
Why not do the job yourself?

[DarnPB]

What other 'serious' issues could be afoot then? If they were serious, then the engine would have let go by now. If it was piston slap, then you would have a more prnounced sound at engine speed, but your problem is at half engine speed and tappets are hit at half engine speed.
If you are worried about your engine, then remove the oil filter and split it open. Remove the card element and open it out to look for debris. Then make your choice.
Having listened to the engine and knowing what I am talking about, I still say it's tappets, and tappets do get lazy and noisy with age.

[DarnPB]

One more thing. If you use used tappets on a different engine, you could cause camshaft wear as tappets wear into camshafts. You put these same tappets into another engine, the wear has to take place again, but in different places as no two items are identical.
You can fit new tappets to an existing camshaft, but if you require a replacement camshaft, you will need new tappets too.

[JC]

as i said gents, after views,  she i started her up today it was HORRIFIC.

did the oil filter thing last time, - nowt but i change the oil and filter every 6 months anyway

[DarnPB]

as i said gents, after views,  she i started her up today it was HORRIFIC.

did the oil filter thing last time, - nowt but i change the oil and filter every 6 months anyway

Well with the info now to hand, you could make an educated decision yourself. I think it would be a real shame to break a perfectly good car for the sake of a set of tappets.
You could fit the tappets from your spare engine purely as fault diagnoses, then if the fault is found, remove them and fit new ones. Free fault diagnoses without the prospect of spending un-necessary cash.

[Khare]

I agree with DPB. I also heard you're engine at the shady meet a few months back and it did sound like tappets.
Also, I'd do the job myself, not as complicated as you think and much more satisfying than watching someone do it.

[johnson6672]

just out of curiosity, whats wrong with your spare engine? could you not fit that?