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'88 Mercedes with a gas engine with loud click in valve train
Sent to Car Experts July 12 12:27 AM

I have a 1988 Mercedes 300TE wagon with a gas engine. It has a pronounced click in the valve train which gets louder if the engine is working ie going up a hill. The engine is tight and everything else is in great shape, doesn't use oil yada yada ydada. Does this sound like a lifter not working properly? Anyones thoughts? I just put a can of Marvel Mystery Oil in the oil to run for a while before the oil change and there doesn't seem to be any difference. Thanks for your input.

 

Optional Information:
1988 Mercedes-Benz Wagon Gas 6 cylinder

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $10
Answer
July 12 11:59 PM (23 hours and 32 minutes and 16 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark
Is the clicking (ticking) noise worse when the engine is first started in the mornings? And does the noise gets a little quieter as it warms up? If so, I suspect collapsed/failing lifters. I believe there are 3 lifters per cylinder on your car and should all be replaced together. Also recommend inspecting camshafts for any subsequential wear. Hope this helps, good luck.
PictureStarSpecialist -- Diagnostic Technician -- 100% Positive Feedback on 28 Car Accepts
Mercedes-Benz Master Certified, ASE Certified
Reply
July 13 11:55 PM (23 hours and 55 minutes and 59 seconds later)
         
Reply to StarSpecialist's Post: The clicking noise actually seems to get more pronounced as the engine warms up. I believe it is located near the center of the head, maybe the 3rd or 4th cylinder. It is expecially noisy when I go up a hill at about 20mph or so. As the engine works harder, the noise is louder.

If the lifters are failing, is there a difference in cylinder compression values? Can I detect the problem using a vacuum gauge? Would the camshafts be scored if there is a problem so that I could find the bad lifters visually without taking the cam out? If there is no scoring, how do I identify the "failed" lifter? Thanks.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
July 17 11:00 PM (3 days and 23 hours later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark
I apologize for the delay, I am new to this website. But back to your car. It's starting to sound like maybe a main bearing. Try an oil change and inspect the oil draining out of the pan for any signs of metal flakes. This may indicate failed bearings which can be caused by dirty/lack of oil or just normal wear & tear. You should definitely get a second opinion from someone who can physically diagnose the condition. Note...A main bearing is basicaly what allows the engine to "spin" smoothly and quietly. It is the bearing responsible for the piston's up/down movement. It is a precion machined surface which uses oil as lubrication. Unfortunately, as with any failed bearing, noise and performance loss are common symptoms. Hope this helps and good luck.

Edited by StarSpecialist on July 17 2006 at 11:02 PM
PictureStarSpecialist -- Diagnostic Technician -- 100% Positive Feedback on 28 Car Accepts
Mercedes-Benz Master Certified, ASE Certified
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