Noisy Lifters and Oil Type - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

bostondiesel · #1 10-08-2009, 03:01 PM

I have recently had some noise under the hood of my 1983 300D. Originally thought it was timing chain. I got a second opinion today and this mechanic said it was definitely a lifter. I have searched the posts for similiar lifter noise and some members say to change to synthetic oil and this helps the problem. Right now I am using Mobil Delvac 1300 Super SAE 15W40. I think this is non-synthetic.

I use Mobil 1 synthetic 5W40 in my 2002 VW Jetta TDI. Would changing oils help my lifters, and if I went to the Mobil 1 5W40 would that be proper in my 300D? If it isn't, what do you recommend?
And also what kind of issues can noisy lifters produce, or is this normal?
And what is involved with changing them?

Thanks!

babymog · #2 10-08-2009, 04:06 PM

Your car has solid lifters which require lash-adjustment, oil type discussions are regarding the later hydraulic lifters.

Skippy · #3 10-08-2009, 05:02 PM

Solid lifters are supposed to make some noise, but they get louder if the lash is too loose. It sounds like you may have had a valve adjustment nut come loose. I'd check and adjust the lash on all the valves. This is routine maintenance and should be done every 15,000 miles or so anyway.

bostondiesel · #4 10-08-2009, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skippy

Solid lifters are supposed to make some noise, but they get louder if the lash is too loose. It sounds like you may have had a valve adjustment nut come loose. I'd check and adjust the lash on all the valves. This is routine maintenance and should be done every 15,000 miles or so anyway.

So am I understanding correctly that by adjusting the valve lash (which I had done about 4,000 miles ago) this will quiet the noise? Do lifters ever need replacing?

On the oil subject, should I stay with what I have been using, the Mobil Delvac, non-syn?

If I get the valve lash adjusted again, I would like to check the stretch of the timing chain, anyone have a link to DIY? I could only find one for an 84 SDL, 617.951 engine, I have the 617.952 engine.
Thanks for the advice, nice to be learning things about my car that I had no idea about before.

Palangi · #5 10-08-2009, 07:48 PM

If the mechanic thinks your car has hydraulic lifters, you need a different mrchanic.

bostondiesel · #6 10-08-2009, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Palangi

If the mechanic thinks your car has hydraulic lifters, you need a different mrchanic.

Actually he didn't say, that was just me blindly searching the forums, not having a clue

Diesel911 · #7 10-08-2009, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bostondiesel

So am I understanding correctly that by adjusting the valve lash (which I had done about 4,000 miles ago) this will quiet the noise? Do lifters ever need replacing?

On the oil subject, should I stay with what I have been using, the Mobil Delvac, non-syn?

If I get the valve lash adjusted again, I would like to check the stretch of the timing chain, anyone have a link to DIY? I could only find one for an 84 SDL, 617.951 engine, I have the 617.952 engine.
Thanks for the advice, nice to be learning things about my car that I had no idea about before.

While the DIY below is indeed for a 617.951 the method is the same for a range if Engines.
The 617.951 specs are different; if you take time and read through the whole thing (it takes a long time to open up due to all the big pictures) you will find that the Author gives the 617.952 specs and other engines also.

http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/OM617TimingChainStretch

Skippy · #8 10-08-2009, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bostondiesel

So am I understanding correctly that by adjusting the valve lash (which I had done about 4,000 miles ago) this will quiet the noise? Do lifters ever need replacing?

If the noise is being caused by incorrect tappet clearance, then yes, resetting it should quiet the noise. Solid lifters rarely go bad, but when they do, they tend to take the camshaft with them. If you ever have to replace the camshaft, do all the lifters as well, since the cam and lifters wear together and using old lifters with a new cam can significantly reduce the life of the new cam.

Quote:

On the oil subject, should I stay with what I have been using, the Mobil Delvac, non-syn?

At the risk of starting another oil thread, I will recommend a 5w40 diesel-rated synthetic for your climate (Connecticut-right?). What you're using is ok, but the synthetic will make cranking and starting in cold weather a little easier.

babymog · #9 10-08-2009, 10:32 PM

Agreed on the oil. The oil that you're using is fine, but the M1 TD&T you're putting in the Tdi is better, especially for cold starts.

tangofox007 · #10 10-08-2009, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bostondiesel

I got a second opinion today and this mechanic said it was definitely a lifter.

From all indications, the fact that 617 engines don't have lifters is not widely disseminated.

#11 10-08-2009, 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tangofox007

From all indications, the fact that 617 engines don't have lifters is not widely disseminated.

LOL, I guess it's a secret.

280EZRider · #12 10-08-2009, 11:33 PM

Thank God tangofox007 noticed the confusion in replies in this thread. The M617, as well as many MBZ engines, has no tappets, lifters, or push rods. The cam lobe rides directly on (under, actually) the rocker arm, which in turn pushes directly down on the valve (stem). So as far as oil type is concerned, valve lash is of no consequence.

You owner manual will have the frequency for valve adjustment.

Skippy · #13 10-08-2009, 11:37 PM

Oops. I feel a little less smart now. In my defense, it has been like two years since I've had a valve cover off one of my diesels. With three cars the miles come on them pretty slowly.

Sev · #14 10-09-2009, 02:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 280EZRider

Thank God tangofox007 noticed the confusion in replies in this thread. The M617, as well as many MBZ engines, has no tappets, lifters, or push rods. The cam lobe rides directly on (under, actually) the rocker arm, which in turn pushes directly down on the valve (stem). So as far as oil type is concerned, valve lash is of no consequence.

You owner manual will have the frequency for valve adjustment.

all three of my 190e's, as well as my 300e, have all those things, so...

sasquatchgeoff · #15 10-09-2009, 12:54 PM

601, 602, and 603 engines have "bucket" tappets (also known as "valve clearance compensation elements") that wear out and "wobble" causing them to stick, thereby setting up a condition where the hydraulic lifter "ticks" on the tappet. Stouter oil sometimes greatly reduces the annular space due to wear around the tappet, quieting down the "ticking." Of course, once the oil thins out from mileage, the ticking starts back up. Not totally related to the OP, but useful info for folks w/later engines where this might be occurring.