On my 84 380SE with a 3.8L V8 it has a rythmatic tic, tic to it. It increases with engine rpm and is about 1 tic per revolution. It kind of sounds like a noisy lifter tic....but with an overhead cam there are no lifters so..?? It also seems to be coming from the passenger side front of the engine and is very noisy!! Any idea what could be the source of my troubles?? Should I not drive it until I figure it out??


Thanx

"....but with an overhead cam there are no lifters.." The rocker arms sit on 'lifters' (MB calls them hydraulic compensators or something like that), and if one has failed to pump up with oil, that rocker will make a ticking noise.

I've had rockers wear so badly that the camshaft dug a trench into the facing that the lobe rides on, making a tick each time the lobe enters and exits the valley in the rocker face.

These are super easy to service, though, and as long as the camshaft lobe isn't worn too badly, you can replace hydraulic 'lifter' and rocker arm in under an hour, especially with the right tools (time includes removing valve cover, reassembly, etc.).

Sometimes, if the parts arn't worn badly, a good dose of cleaner/additive will flush out the 'lifter' and get it to pump up again. I'd try that first.

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1986 560SL
2002 Toyota Camry
1993 Lexus

I would not drive it much without checking it out. If the rocker has started to wear, you may still be able to save the cam. When you have the cover off, it is a good idea to replace the plastic pieces on the oiler tube and make sure that the little holes in the tube are clear.

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Chuck Taylor
Falls Church VA
'66 200, '66 230SL, '96 SL500. Sold: '81 380SL, '86 300E, '72 250C, '95 C220, 3 '84 280SL's '90 420SEL, '72 280SE, '73 280C, '78 280SE, '70 280SL, '77 450SL, '85 380SL, '87 560SL, '85 380SL, '72 350SL, '96 S500 Coupe