hi guys, need some advice regarding tapping noise from below the rocker covers when car has just been started from cold. this only last about a minute then it all goes quite, I have recently done a oil & filter change.

First thing that comes to mind are rocker arms, although you said it goes away (?) Chain slap, exhaust manifold leak comes to mind as well if the noise goes away after a bit.

What many Km does the odo read?

Check out these threads:
ticking V8

Mercedes 560 SEL Ticking Noise

Camshaft wear on my 560SL

dhanda

you might be getting bleed down on the (lifters) actually valve compensating elements. which may not be a problem if that is the only time it does it. (ticks)

if you can catagorize it as a single tick it may only be 1 element. if it sounds like a whole bunch you may want to pull the valve cover and look at the chain, rails and the tensioner. you'll also be able to tell if the timing chain has been changed. look for a clip lock on the timing chain as you roll the engine over by hand.

search on timing chain and you should see a bunch of write ups on this subject as well.

good luck
craig

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Craig

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Thanks for replying guys, Ted I had a look at those threads and I reckon gasket and follower checks might be the way to go for now will let you know how I get on.

You're welcome Dhanda.

I'd be curious to know what you find. As you read from the above threads, mine ticks as well. It's constant, so it has me thinking that it's the rocker arms or cams. Hopefully the later!