Here in Canada we had the same problem, but only with the 1992 model
year. My 92 does it, somehow it slipped past the warranty. Here in
Canada, VW replaced these engines for any customer that complained
during the warranty period. I guess that at that time VW Canada was
separate from VW America so maybe that is why so many US owners
complain about it. Apparently VW claims that the slap won't affect the
longevity of the engine, but I am not so sure. Mine has 168,000Kms and
is still fairly tight, compression at 145psi. This problem is due to
improperly cured blocks so I am told. A local auto wrecker(Tom Cat Auto
Parts, on the web) rebuilds them. A good place to get Eurovan parts for
US residents due to the current exchange rate.
