HI all,

I appologize for the repeat of an earlier post but I am looking for some advice on lifter replacement.

I have what I believe to be a lifter that is leaking down, I have a rap at startup that lasts 5-10 seconds then fades away. It's speratic at startup, sometimes it's there and others it's not. Probably depends on whether or not the lifter is compressed when I stop the motor.

I've read the manual regarding testing the lifters when installed and when out of the car.

Any advice on how to quickly find the offending lifter? I've never done this before and I want to avoid multiple attempts. I've purchased three new lifters figuring better safe than sorry.

Also, any thoughts on removing the rocker arm? Seems as though there is a special tool I don't have.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Joel

I have a '92 300e and '88 260e that both make that noise sometimes. They have been doing it for years and it's not getting worse so I have not tried fixing it. As far as removing the rocker arms, it is very easy. Each cylinder has its own shaft and they can be removed one at a time without special tools.

I am curious if the hydraulic lifters are really the source of the noise. Please post a follow-up on what you discover.

John

I am a Car Dealer and a Mercedes mechanic gave this MOST sucessful tip.
Drain your oil if not recently changed! Re-fill with good oil BUT substitute with one quart of transmission fluid.Dex3 is fine.
You might be amazed.This works if it's just the "O" ring around the lifter and or there is some crusting around any oil holes.
A cheap fix if it works.Also make sure that you either drive the car for a length of time or let it idle for a LONG time afterwards.
Drive the car at least a month to let all that crude dissolve.
I have cured at least 20 cars like this.As a added bonus your car will feel awsome and smooth.

Regards.
Rafiqi.

Thanks guys,

Rafiki, I've actually heard of that idea before. I think I'll give it a whirl, I am always open to the easier way out.

I'll let you guys know what happens,
Joel

Replacing hydraulic lifters in an M102 or M103 is an easy and inexpensive job, but first you need to be sure they need replacing. If they only tick until the oil pressure rises then they are fine. If they continue to tick after the oil pressure rises then they are worn. I replaced mine recently on my 190E (at around 220,000km) because they would intermittently tick until the engine reached full operating temperature. With new lifters (I replaced them all) the problem is fixed. On a cold start they may still tick for a couple of seconds before the oil pressure rises. This is due to one or more slowly leaking down while holding a valve open. Our 300TE at 180,000km does the same. If you decide to replace them, just remove and replace one pair of rockers at a time. This avoids the need to remove the timing chain tensioner and reduces the risk of replacing parts in the wrong position. All valve train components must be returned to their original location.

__________________
107.023: 350SLC, 3-speed auto, icon gold, parchment MBtex (sold 2012 after 29 years ownership).
107.026: 500SLC, 4-speed auto, thistle green, green velour.
124.090: 300TE, 4-speed auto, arctic white, cream-beige MBtex.
201.028: 190E 2.3 Sportline, 5-speed manual, arctic white, blue leather.
201.028: 190E 2.3, 4-speed auto, blue-black, grey MBtex.
201.034: 190E 2.3-16, 5-speed manual, blue-black, black leather.

Thanks again for the help,

I am going to address the issue in a week or so.

I did purchase 3 lifters hoping to find the offender. But based on this recent note, looks as though there may be little if any problem.

Joel

The old 190e did this until I changed to synthetic oil. It took several weeks and miles but now there is no noise on startup.

Haasman

__________________
'03 E320 Wagon-Sold
'95 E320 Wagon-Went to Ex
'93 190E 2.6-Wrecked
'91 300E-Went to Ex
'65 911 Coupe (#302580)

Thanks again,

I'll definately try the liquid approach prior to the wrench approach.

Thanks,
Joel