92 400se M119 134,000 miles

Over the last few months, I’ve been noticing an intermittent clattering noise on warm start up. The noise only last for a few seconds. I originally thought this was a timing chain rattle. Since the problem is intermittent, needless to say it’s driving me crazy!

I did a search to discover other possible solutions.

I’ve changed the chain tensioner, upper rails, but the problem noise still persists. My chain stretch was only 3 degrees, so I didn’t change the timing chain. I did not replace the lower timing rails.

I also replaced the oil filter housing check valve.

Last month I replaced a failed belt tensioner.

I replaced one of the camshaft timing adjusters as someone else suggested, but only on the right camshaft - a year ago.

Someone else with a M119 engine had thought this might be engine bearings. Someone else thought this is might be lifters.

I normally run Mobil One 15-50 synthetic during the summer months, but after the replacement of the chain tensioner and rails last weekend I changed to my winter oil Mobil One 5-50 ..

Man… this car is killing me. It’s always something. I don’t mind working on the 400se, but if the "fix" to address the problems turns out to be replacing the bearings - I’m getting rid of this car.

Any help would GREATE be appreciated

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Russell McMahon
Tulsa, OK
2001 CLK 320
1992 400se
1993 400e
2000 320ML