Lifter Tick

Ok, I dont want to ask an overplayed question but I think I am going to have to. I know its a noobish question, and yes I did a search, but I want to clarify what I found. What exactly is lifter tick? So it is NOT a serious problem right? Can it lead to something serious? Is it annoyingly loud? Can it be fixed and what would have to be done to do so? Thanks guys, sorry for the dumbass question, but after a half an hour of looking through old posts I hadnt really found a straight answer for my questions and wanted to be absolutely sure that it isnt a big deal before my friend bought a 95 TSI AWD with lifter tick. Thanks again!

The most serious problem is that the knock sensor will think it's knock and pull timing. It's called phantom knock, and I have enough of it to share. People report temporary fixes include oil additives such as Marvel Mystery Oil which I like, and others. Permanent solution is revised lifters (3g lifters) which have a larger oil hole drilled into them. About $8 a piece or $130 for the set.

Ok. Are lifters a big deal to replace by yourself?

Posted by Thor06 - 06-23-2005 at 11:27 PM
Ok. Are lifters a big deal to replace by yourself?

No, but be sure you have the right tools for the job i.e. torque wrench.
I hav heard of people just loosening the cam bearing caps enough to let the cam rise(with the timimng belt still on), but i recommend taking off the belt and removing the cams completely, so when you torque them down later itll be right. Oh the lifters just slide out. Be sure to pour some oil in the lifter openings, and let the new lifters soak in clean oil.

I'd say get the new larger lifters, the hole is 3mm the old hole was 1mm if you're going through the trouble of replacing them anyway, put the new ones on.

Also a good idea to replace the valve cover gasket while your at it. The OEM gasket is under $20, I personally don't like to re-use gaskets, they usualy just end up sweating and/or leaking. Before installing the gasket, I spread a thin layer (1/2mm) of silicone over the surface of gasket and let it fully dry. This provides a much better seal and is the correct way of doing it.

Ok. Thanks guys, I really appreciate the help. Again, sorry for the stupid ass question!