Something doesn't make sense. If the oil guides break and the lifters are not getting enough oil, then why is the ticking noise still intermittent? Wouldn't it tick continuously, not once a while?

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Current cars:
2001 MB E55 AMG
2003 Honda S2000
2000 Honda CRV

Gone but not forgotten:
2004 BMW 325i 5sp sport
1999 BMW 540i sport
1997 MB E420
1995 BMW M3 coupe