How do I know if the Lash Cap & Rocker Shim Kit is compatible with my Waterboxer Vanagon?

This kit is designed for all watercooled VW Vanagon models from 1983 to 1991, whether 2WD or 4WD. It fits both 1.9L (1983-85, 9mm adjustment screws) and 2.1L (1986-91, 10mm adjustment screws) Waterboxer engines. Just make sure to choose the correct size adjustment screws for your year if you're opting for new ones in the kit.

Why should I install lash caps and rocker shims on my Waterboxer? Is it really necessary?

The tip of the valve adjuster in the Waterboxer makes direct contact with the valve stem, which causes premature wear and potential engine damage over time. Installing this kit adds hardened lash caps that reduce wear and act as a lubricating surface, while the rocker shims maintain proper geometry. Many experienced owners see it as 'cheap insurance' against expensive repairs down the road.

I’m planning a DIY install—how challenging is it to fit this Lash Cap & Rocker Shim Kit?

This kit comes with step-by-step installation instructions and is designed to be straightforward for mechanically-inclined DIYers. Most Vanagon owners with basic tools and some engine maintenance experience find the process very approachable. If you've adjusted valves before, you'll be comfortable installing this kit.

What’s the benefit of ordering the kit with new adjustment screws, and how do I pick the right size?

Over time, adjustment screws can also wear out. Ordering the kit with new screws ensures all contact surfaces are fresh for the best longevity. Choose 9mm screws for 1983-85 1.9L Waterboxer engines and 10mm screws for 1986-91 2.1L engines. This keeps your valve train in top shape and restores the correct geometry, especially important if your current screws show any wear.

Can the Lash Cap & Rocker Shim Kit help if I’m rebuilding my engine, or is it only for older engines?

The kit is a great choice for both fresh builds and higher-mileage engines. It protects your engine’s valve train from the very start and helps preserve your investment. Whether you’re installing undefined upgrades or doing maintenance, lash caps and rocker shims offer long-term protection and smoother operation, based on positive feedback from many Vanagon owners.

Lash Cap & Rocker Shim Kit [Waterboxer]

Name: Lash Cap Kit - 10mm Adjustment Screws [2.1] Lash Cap & Rocker Shim Kit [Waterboxer]
SKU: LASH-CAP-KIT-M10
Price: 52.95 USD
Availability: InStock

Lash Cap & Rocker Shim Kit [Waterboxer]

Product:	LASH-CAP-KIT
Works With:	1983-1991
Manufacturer:	GoWesty
Availability:	Good Stock
Wrench Rating:	Requires a full tool set and broad mechanical knowledge.

$23.95

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This is a lash cap & rocker shim kit for all waterboxer engines.

Probably the weakest internal design aspect of the water-boxer engine is the valve adjustment screw. Specifically, the way in which the tip of the screw comes into direct contact with the tip of the valve stem. Geometrically, this is just not an ideal interaction. VW was able to get away with it by using top-quality materials and all new parts. After 20-plus years, damage can occur to both the adjuster and the valve stem. Replacing the adjuster is no big deal, but finding parts as high-quality as the ones VW used originally is neither easy nor cheap. But the worse scenario is when the valve stem is damaged; requiring an engine tear-down to repair.

All GoWesty rebuilt engines get a set of lash caps. These little hardened caps fit on top of each valve stem tip, adding an extra layer of hardened steel to protect the valve stem tip and creating an extra level of lubricated rotation for better longevity of the all parts involved. A set of these is highly recommended for any fresh rebuild, or even as insurance on an aging engine. This could be the best $20 insurance policy you've ever purchased!

Fits: All 1983-91 Watercooled Vanagon

Options: Available with or without new valve adjustment screws. Select 9mm for 1983-85 1900cc engines, and 10mm for 1986-91 2100cc engines.

NOTE: The lash caps make the valve stems effectively longer. In order to get proper adjustment of the hydraulic valve lifter (per factory specifications) and to maintain proper geometry, it is necessary to space out the rocker arms. Our kit includes the necessary rocker arm shims and instructions for installation.

5 stars: 5 (100%)
4 stars: 0 (0%)
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1 star: 0 (0%)

Any van owner who is too cheap to buy these deserves to be sitting on the side of the road, broken down. What a bummer when your 300 miles away from home.

Insurance

Easy to install. I figured its cheap enough insurance to prevent wear.

2nd time buying

I used this on my last build and when I inspected everything it was good. Building another engine and will use this again. It helps prevent wear.

Easy install and peace of mind

Super easy to install and gives me peace of mind on my rebuild.
The factory valve train was still working after 200k miles but was so beat up.
So, not likely there’s a terrible design flaw in the factory design but I believe these have the potential to prevent costly repairs.