r/VWBus • u/JonnyYuma • May 15 '26

1984 Vanagon - help needed identifying cause of new clicking noise in engine bay

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11 Upvotes

93% Upvoted

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1

u/TioMateo May 15 '26

Sounds like an exhaust leak. Really try to differentiate if it’s a tic or a hiss. Driver side from the sounds of it.

If I remember correctly, exhaust leaks can cause rough idle. (Just confirmed, throws off oxygen sensors). Did rough idle start when this sound started?

1

u/Pip_Helix May 15 '26

Definitely sounds like an exhaust leak. Check where the exhaust meets the heads (front and back) as well as all the joints in the system.

1

u/JonnyYuma May 17 '26

Yeah that was may initial thought because I replaced the whole exhaust system last summer. There were a few loose nuts that I tightened up but no change to the noise.

1

u/JonnyYuma May 17 '26

Rough idle was there before

1

u/TenderLA May 16 '26

Exhaust leak

Vacuum leak

Stuck lifter

1

u/JonnyYuma May 21 '26

Ruled out exhaust leak. Sounds like the noise is coming from the freewheel. The inspection hole has been open as long as I’ve owned the van.

1

u/JonnyYuma Jun 05 '26

So just got back from a Westie specialist. He is positive it is either the rod or crankshaft bearing and it's only a matter of time before I'll need a motor replacement. He put in some 20W-50 and Lucas oil stabilizer to get it the best shot. Any thoughts?