Tappet Passat 3B6

Replacement of hydraulic tappets on VW PASSAT Variant (3B6) vehicles should be entrusted to professionals. The works will require removing the timing belt or chain, disassembling the engine, and removing the camshaft, and this requires the use of special equipment and skills.

If one hydraulic lifter fails, it is better to have the others replaced, too.

When replacing the components, it is desirable to flush the oil system, install a new filter, since the accumulated dirt reduces the service life of the hydraulic tappets and of the engine in general. By cleaning the lubrication system, you will ensure long and reliable operation of the engine of your VW PASSAT Variant (3B6) vehicle.

Before installation, new hydraulic lifters are to be filled with oil. For this purpose, the components are to be placed into a container with oil, and compressed several times. It is strongly NOT recommended to install unfilled lifters, as the valve mechanism may get damaged during the first minutes of operation without oil, due to excessive loads.

The components should be tightened with a torque wrench. See the tightening torque in the technical documentation to the VW PASSAT Variant (3B6) vehicle.

When replacing the hydraulic lifters, always replace the valve cover gasket: it is a disposable component.

Check oil level in the lubrication system of the engine. If necessary, top up oil to the required level.

Start the engine and let it work a few minutes at idle speed. Increasing pressure in the lubrication system of the VW PASSAT Variant (3B6) vehicle will cause the right amount of oil to enter the lifters, thus adjusting the valve clearance.

If after installation of new components, knocks are heard during engine operation, air should be removed from the hydraulic valve lifters. After the engine runs for some time at idle speed, increase the rpm to 3,000, and sharply drop the engine rotation speed to idle speed. Repeat the procedure after 15 seconds. After 10-30 cycles, the noise should disappear.