clicking noise from engine
 

got my 99 e430 about six months ago. since then, a clikcing noise has been gradually getting louder. it's coming directly from the engine block and sounds like, well it's similar to whata diesel engine sounds like. what is this and what do i need to do to fix this?

Could be a sticking valve, but you might want to take this to a dealer or an independent mechanic that specializes in Mercedes cars.

Where are you located? I can point out some good shops in Southern California.

There are a lot of shops mentioned in the Good Shops forum...

thanks,
im in norcal.

i found that there is actually two areas where the noise is coming from. one is a small device, about the size of a fist with the letters MOT on it. i think its something called a purge valve. i messed around with it a bit and the noise goes away, but grtadually come back. from what i gather, i need to replace the mount. will do this week.

as for the other source is coming directly from the engine. if its a sticking valve, what are some things i can do myself? can i use some sort of detergent type cleaner? (of course i will have it checked out, but if i can save a buck.....)

I don't think it would hurt to run a few tankfulls with Techron in it back-to-back-to-back.

I don't know if it'll cure the problem, or not, if it is a sticking valve.

There are a good number of members here that are in Nor. Cal.

Try the search function in the "good shops" sub-forum and see what comes up.

Sticking valve issues have come up for discussion from time-to-time, too. If you experiment with the search function, some of the good threads might come up.

Good luck.