Can't believe nobody has raised the possibility of the timing chain tensioner getting weak. Ticking at startup that goes away is a lifter issue. Ticking otherwise, if all minor suspects are henceforth ruled out, could be the tensioner. They don't last forever, so be sure to check it.

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'02 BMW 325i
'85 300D 450k
'93 190E 2.6 170k(killed by tree)
'08 Ducati Hypermotard 1100S 6k
'06 Ducati S2R800 14k(sold)

Seems to me from the photos that the Dist. Cap is pretty worn and needs replacing. Am I correct in this assumption ?

no you're not - that dist cap looks brand new

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'02 BMW 325i
'85 300D 450k
'93 190E 2.6 170k(killed by tree)
'08 Ducati Hypermotard 1100S 6k
'06 Ducati S2R800 14k(sold)

i have had success in removing the ticking sound simply by switching over to Delo 15-40 oil as recommended by other members . It all has to do the heavy duty ZDDP additive the diesel oils contain.
89 300se

I'm not sure you needed an idle switch. It's probably not the switch itself, but rather the linkage could need lubrication and/or adjustment. Do a search on throttle linkage lube and adjustment for more info.

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-tp


1990 300SE "Corinne"- 145k daily driver - street modified differential - PARTING OUT OR SELLING SOON - PORTLAND OR. AREA - PM ME FOR DETAILS
1988 560SEL "Gunther"- 190K passes anything except a gas station
1997 S420 - 265k just bought it with a rebuilt trans. Lovely condition

Sorry for being MIA, I have been sucked into working on sailboats and windsurfers. But I did replace the idle switch. The car is idling in the 800's.

But the ticking noise still exists. I will change my oil like you suggest Mac. I am coming up on 3000 miles on the oil currently in there. However, I don't think that is the issue.

Are there any signs that I can look for in the way of lifter wear?

I will post a video up on youtube at some point this weekend and post a link on here so you can hear this noise.

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1991 Mercedes 300TE (Current Girlfriend )
1994 Mazda Miata

ticking can be many things,i would use a wooden dowel,place it where you think the noise is coming from,then place your ear over it,it can be a loose locking nut on a rocker arm,it can be a bad pulley or even a wearing serpentine belt.check the bearing in the power steering pump with the dowel.some times the fuel injectors give off a ticking sound aswell.goodluck