1994-E420 lifter noise
 

Hello everyone, I need a little help out there from everyone that can help?? I am having a slight problem on the right bank of my MB E420 1994 5.0 L engine. seems like a lifter is starting to make a clicking noise. 1St. Does the MB E-420 engine have solid or Hydraulic lifters in them?? 2ND. Does anyone out here have a picture of the top end, I mean showing the lifters cams and oil tubes, That they can e-mail to me. This would be a great help to me, before I start to pull the valve cover off. 3rd. Is it a real big job to remove the noisy lifter and replace it?? Are there any special tools for this removal for the MB.?? Again if they are solid lifters are there shims available for the lifters?? Not to sure about the MB engines, I have only worked on American automobiles and some Japan made autos. All of your help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for reading this post. Ben

M119 engines are notorious for oiler tubes blowing out the little plug, causing a ticking noise.

I would remove both valve covers and you will see the black plastic oiler tubes. Feel for the plug at the bottom. The one that is missing the plug is the one that is making the ticking noise.

It is recommended to replace all of them. Somtimes you can find the piece that came out. Other times you can find it in the oil pan.

Here is the official TSB (technical service bulletin) on this issue.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Engine - Valve Train Noise, Low Oil Pressure
ROUTE: ALL

TO: ALL DEALER SERVICE MANAGERS
ALL DEALER PARTS MANAGERS

CC: MBNA FIELD PERSONNEL
VPC / PDC MANAGERS

SUBJECT
GROUP 18 - ENGINE M119

In case of complaints of ticking noise from the valve area and/or low oil pressure, the cause could be a missing plug in the oil feed tube (part no. 119 180 02 66) between the camshafts. If one of these plugs is missing, the oil pressure to the valve elements / chain tensioner will drop causing this complaint.

The complaint can be repaired by exchanging the leaking oil pipe and checking if all other plugs are tight. The loose plug can usually be found in the valve area or in the oil pan, and should be removed.

After the repair, start the engine and check the oil pressure. The oil pressure must be within specifications (< approx. 6 Bar). Oil pressure which is too high can be the result of a faulty oil pressure relief valve (See Diagnostic Directory 18-121) which in turn can cause these plugs to be pushed out. If the oil pressure is found to be too high, please proceed as outlined in "Remedy" of Diagnostic Directory 18-121.

Here's a link with pictures:

http://pages.prodigy.net/jforgione/MB_lifter.html