Well, my new to me 190D has been a pleasant surprise in many ways. It's like a rocket ship compared to my 240D manual. No rust. A/C not working.
Main issue is the noisy valve train. Big time lifter noise at startup and on acceleration. Seems to improve after driving on the highway, but most of my traveling is in the city for 8-10 miles. Plan to use synthetic and change the o rings on the filter stem at next oil change. If this doesn't work can I just live with this or do I need to replace the lifters? What kind of damage am I doing driving it like this?

Thanks


Kevin
1979 240D 266000 manual
1984 190D 143000 manual

I am assuming that your 190D has hydraulic cam followers. Try a QUART of RISLONE. It is in a yellow plastic Quart bottle. I am NOT an additive advocate but this stuff WORKS!!! I have used it on type 4 VWs that would stick lifters when ever they sat awhile. I also used it on water cooled inline 4 VWs that were equiped with hydraulic followers. It is a thin based highly refined oil additive. It seems to loosen any varnish build up in the lifters. In 35 years working on cars, I have had a 90% success rate with this.

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My Truck.. 2007 DODGE, 5.9 Cummins, 6spd stick, 4X4. My car..1977 240D, OTHER WHEELS...1955 VW Oval window bug, European Delivery (Holland) with a 1700cc, 2 barrel, Porsche drum brakes. 1939 WILLYS Pick-up. 1967 Triumph 200cc Tiger Cub. 1976 Honda 550F 4cyl Motor Cycle.

Motorhead:

I also have a 190D (1985, 2.2 5spd, 205K) that has been religiously serviced at the dealership since it was delivered. Oil changes and filter at each 2500 mile (10-30 winter, 20-40 summer).

I spoke with the service advisor about the valve noise (started around 195K) and he said that they may have to install a new cam and/or cam and head.

The mechanic reports that the car is in very good shape?

Should I try the Rislone, or keep changing the oil and live with it, or think about the cam replacement?

Would appreciate your thoughts.

Regards

You have noyhing to lose by trying the RISLONE in your car. It won't hurt a thing and it might cure your problem. Even though you are religious about oil/filter changes, the lifters can get sticky. If you have just changed your oil, drain off a quart and add the RISLONE. If you are about to change it, drain enough oil out to allow the quart of rislone. Run the rislone for a few days, change the oil and filter and put another quart of it in. Let us know how it works. Chris

__________________
My Truck.. 2007 DODGE, 5.9 Cummins, 6spd stick, 4X4. My car..1977 240D, OTHER WHEELS...1955 VW Oval window bug, European Delivery (Holland) with a 1700cc, 2 barrel, Porsche drum brakes. 1939 WILLYS Pick-up. 1967 Triumph 200cc Tiger Cub. 1976 Honda 550F 4cyl Motor Cycle.

I have tried the rislone with some improvement. I've researched this extensively. Marshall Booth over at mbca.org has alot of thoughts on this subject. Another member on this site (Klaus Kallas) has some thoughts on this topic as well. Mobil1 is recommended to try and quiet the lifters. Also, those bottom two o rings on the oil filter stem need to be replaced to keep the lifters from loosing prime.

How did the mechanics diagnose the problem? Did they remove the valve cover and inspect the cam or check the lifters? Has the timing chain been replaced on this car? This would seem to be a more likely concern after the lifters. What type/brand of oil have you been using?


Kevin
1979 240D manual
1984 190D manual

I changed the oil (still had the winter weight), but not the filter and added a yellow bottle of Rislone.

After a half a tank of fuel (about 2 weeks - I take the train to work) I have noticed less clatter (about half the time). I have also noticed that sometimes when there is some clatter, it goes away if I turn the corner, or excellerate, or go on longer runs (35 miles +). This leads me to believe that there maybe something to the O rings mentioned in an earlier discussion.

I plan on changing the oil and filter in a couple of weeks. I am planning to have the O rings replaced and use Castrol or Valvoline diesel oil plus adding the recommended 25% Rislone.

By the way, I have the original timming chain.

Will keep you informed. This may be a step by step process of elimination.

Joe

It's been recommended by Marshall Booth to use Mobil 1 turbodiesel oil to quiet the cam followers. Hard to find but I believe oreilly has it in quarts. Change those o rings as well.

Kevin
1979 240D manual
1984 190D manual