Hi Everybody, today when i started my 1990 300 se i noticed some valve nois, probably lifters, as soon as oil pressure built up it went away. It makes me nervous. This car has 217k mills, always well maintained, valve guide seals done 12k miles ago. If anyone can tell me what might it be I will appreciate it.

Of course starting with the oil FILTER, do you use a OE quality filter? when was the oil last changed? has the timing chain ever been replaced? when the v/g seals were done, did the tensioner get inspected OR replaced?

Was the noise a sharp rattle(chain tensioner) for 2-3 seconds OR a light tick(lifter) for 10-15 seconds.

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Thank you M. B. DOC

I just changed my oil last week, have less than 100 miles on it. Filter is a standard Valvoline filter ( that's where I did the oil change) I belive that the timing chain and the tensioner were inspected when v/g seals were done.

If i remember correctly my mechanic did tell me that i don't have to worry about it because it can last a very long time. I don't know if to trust the man since he screwed up my drive shaft assembly with all his 40 years of experience working in MB cars.


the noise was a light tick but for a short time maybe 8-10 seconds
And to me i did sound like lifters.

Are the timing chain. guides and tensioner get inspected OR replaced? often in these engines? is it a notorious problem in this cars
( 103.981 engine) Is it something i should worry about? If it is a lifter is there a recomended flush for these engines?

Thanks

BM

If it sounded like just one lifter (compensator) ticking, you could have one that is bad. They can be a bit tough to narrow down a single one. And then the base adjustment will have to be properly set.
It is not uncommon for the tensioner to be replaced, if you do think it's chain noise (it sounds like you are pretty sure it's lifter noise though). It's easy to replace.
On the chain, the amount of chain stretch is measured, which isn't hard, then if you need to replace the chain, at this mileage I'd automatically do the guides and tensioner, but it gets fairly involved doing it.
If you want to try cleaning it, I'd recommend ATF and a 50 mile drive just prior to your next oil change.
If you are in a colder climate, it could just be the onset of cooler weather is making the problem occur now.
Does it do this at every start or just in the morning or after a long sit?
Gilly

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Thank you Gilly, It might be the cold weather but i know that a properly operating motor does not make these sounds and that's why I am worried.

Yesterday, i started the car, took a 2 minute drive stoped for 2 hours mottor got cold, started again drove back 2 minut, no lifter noise so far.... 4 hrs later started again and it ticked as lifter noise, It was not cold yesterday, it was a beautifull day.

Is ATF better than Rislone oil treatment? I had used Rislone succssesfuly on my ford E350.

Thanks again.

BM

I've used the atf with no detrimental results (nicest way to put it; it didn't help the problem, but didn't blow up the engine either (it did seem to clean out the engine, but the dirtiness of the engine wasn't really the problem cause).
If you used a product with good results, I'd go with that, but ultimately I think you'll find out thee same thing, one of the compensators is bad and all the engine treatments in a can in the world ain't gonna fix it. MAY quiet things down for awhile is all.
Gilly

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Thanks again Gilly!

Any thoughts on Lucas Oil treatment? The guys over in the 3000GT forums used to swear by the stuff - pour it in a new batch of oil, drive around for about 25 miles, drain it and it is thick and black with crud. Haven't heard much about it on MB engines however.

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The reason I asked about the oil & filter change was.....did you use an OE or aftermarket filter.

MANY aftermarket filters do NOT have the correct check valve for inverse mounting.

Get an OE Mahle or Mann filter before spending $$$$.

__________________
MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

Thank you mbdoc, That makes lots of sense, I will get on it right away I appreciate the valuable tip. Live and learn....