Ticking in M103... LOUD ticking

Hi folks,
I've got an '86 300E (230km) that has developed, over the past few months, a distinct (read: loud) ticking noise from the front of the engine, it seems. It sounds somewhat metallic, increases with revs (in freq and volume), and is persistent. It also seems to cycle - eg., at idle, it gradually increases in volume for about 9 seconds, suddenly drops off, and then immediately starts up again. It is more pronounced during colder weather, but really will appear most anytime. Sometimes goes away, but it has recently been there about 90% of my driving hours. The car is well-maintained (fresh Mobil 1 regularly, etc.)
Any ideas?
Regards,
-Nick

[Oliverp]

I had an '87 300se, and this happend to me just before my water pump went.
I'm not technically minded, and i'm sure i'm probably wrong. You never know though.

I hope it isn't that bad, good luck.

Oliver

[Chris Blanchard]

I had a similar occurrence on my (now sold) 1991 300TE 4matic. I had a ticking noise, as you describe, from the front of the valve cover area. The car had an immaculate service history from the day it was new.

The noise was intermittent, one day it would tick, the next it wouldn't. One day it was ticking and I was near my mechanic, so he checked it out.

Turned out to be a failed/worn #2 lifter and a badly worn camshaft. #2 lobe was bad.
Some other top-end work was also done at that time.

Total cost to fix it all $1200. This car had its oil changed regularly, and while I owned it, it saw nothing but Mobil 1 10w30 at 5000 mile intervals.

Get thee to a good mechanic ASAP. I have my old camshaft sitting in the garage....

Chris

[Champa]

My 300E had the same simptoms, the hydraulic lifters were bad and had to be replaced.

If your are changing one, you might as well change them all, I think they run for $15 or $20 a piece, i don't remember. Anyhow labro might be expensive.

Good luck.


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'86 300E
'87 300SDL
'92 190E 2.6

[Benzmac]

I have replaced many camshafts on these. There was a bulletin on the chilling process. I believe that they improved the hardness of the cam.

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Benzmac:
Donnie Drummonds
300E
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

Thanks for the responses (not for the specific answers, though... OUCH!)
Any estimations on what these two jobs might cost?
1)Replacing lifters
2)Replacing camshaft
Thanks again,
-Nick

Oh yes,
Is there an easy way to tell if it is the camshaft vs lifters? And what is/are the potential consequence(s) of driving it as it is for another few months?

[J.HIDALGO]

Did you check the little shock connected to the serpentine belt tensioner? Mine came loose and was making a metal to metal contact...easy and cheap to replace. Just trying to save you some money by keeping it basic.
Good luck!


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J.H.
'86 300E