What is considered 'normal' engine noise?

[prprjp]

Dear All:

My '86 560Sl possesses an audible, regular 'ticking' noise that appears to be emanating out of both valve covers. When the hood is down and you are sat in the car, the noise isn't audible. The car has only done 70K miles.

Is this normal for this car? I've read that loose valves (with respect to the cam/valve distance) will make more noise but will prevent the valves from getting too tight and being damaged. I recently changed the plugs which looked normal so I’m guessing that the valve seals and stems are good.

Any comments appreciated.

Thanks, Ryan

[4NDELIT]

what octane gas are you running? I think that this could have something to do with it.

[prprjp]

I'm using high octane fuel (93), so I don't think this is a problem.

Any other ideas?

Thanks, Ryan

The ticking could be a number of things:

premature cam wear (an issue with the earlier 560 motors AKA 117.968 KE)

rocker arms (I vote for this one)

exhaust manifolds (not too likely since it's on both sides)

This thread might be of some help:
Ticking noise

[ericdee]

What weight oil are you using?

Sometimes a heavier weight oil well knock out the ticking sound.

[prprjp]

Thanks for the replies.

Eric - I'm using 10W40; do you think I should go higher (I live in North Carolina so the cold weather shouldn't be too much of an issue).

If this doesn't help I'll check ou the cam lobes/rocker arms.

Thanks again,
Ryan

[ericdee]

Ryan,

You may want to try a 20/50w.

I once had a 88 560 SL that if I ran 40w in it would really tick, 50w would always do the trick.