My bro just asked me what I thought the clicking noise he just found in his car coming from the front of the engine is.

I have a suspicion it is either a loose valve or the timing chains are rattling.

I could be wrong here, but I would rather not chance it.

His car has 155k on it give or take a bit.

Its a 1985 380SL with the dual timing chain.

Car runs good otherwise.

he describes the click as very slow at idle, then it gets very fast under acceleration.

I have advised him to not drive the car until we know what this is.

If its the chain I don't want him to end up with valve job as well, and if its a valve, I don't want it to come loose and fall into the cylynder.

What do you guys think it is.

And depending on what it is, what are estimated labor charges.

The car itself has not broken but if the problem noise I describe sounds like one of my ideas on it, what would the estimated labor charge and parts charge be?

Thanks,

Alon

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'92 300CE - Sold
2004 C240 - 744 - C7 Wheels - Android Radio
2002 C320 - 816 - Sport Wagon

You are right, don't even start the engine until you pull the valve covers and investigate. If the noise is timing chain related, it may be a broken guiderail which will cause serious damage.

I remember Aaron going through this about a year ago. If the chain were to break, it would be more than simply a routine valve job. I don't know the labor costs on this.

Good luck,

Larry thanks for the response, I was definately not going to start it to hear it. It might be the last start the car ever makes.

I think I'll have my bro take it to the mechanic and let him work it out.

I definately have a feeling its the timing chain getting ready to go bye bye or a valve getting ready to drop into the cylynder...

My bro is not the best person for maintenenace on a car, he usually just drives a car until it dies then gets another, but right now I know he is not ready for a new car even though he has been looking at 1995-97 BMW M3's or 1992-1997 BMW 325IS's.

I keep telling him 500E, but he likes the BMW.

But every time he looks at the bmw's online, I make him look at prices on 500E's. hehe Who knows, maybe I will break him and he'll buy another benz. I keep telling him that the BMW while a nice car, is just way too commmon of a car, thats the reason I went with the 300CE over a 325IS. I wanted the car you don't see everyone from 16 years old to 60 driving.

Alon

__________________
'92 300CE - Sold
2004 C240 - 744 - C7 Wheels - Android Radio
2002 C320 - 816 - Sport Wagon

This also sounds like a common problem associated with the Hydralic lifters. Is it on the Drivers side? This is usually where it starts first. If this is the case driving it is no problem just replace them when you get a chance.

actually it turned out that the Rockers were worn and replaced. Car is solid, has more power, starts better, better fuel mileage and all.

Alon

__________________
'92 300CE - Sold
2004 C240 - 744 - C7 Wheels - Android Radio
2002 C320 - 816 - Sport Wagon

Could be a clogged oil port in an oil transfer tube that sits above the camshaft. If clogged it'll starve the cam lobe & rocker of oil, causing the case to wear, then the camshaft & rocker wear really takes off. Plastic fittings do crack or melt.