My 97' E420 has that intermittent lifter noise. Here is the question. Is there a way to isolate the cylinder, or do you replace the whole bank, and if thats the case, should you just replace them all? Is that a doable project. And lastly, is there anything else that might emulate that sound (timing chain, clogged oil supply, low oil pressure) Thanks in advance for any info.

97 E420 119 ENGINES ARE NOTORIOUS FOR OILER TUBES
BLOWING OUT THE LITTLE PLUG CAUSING A TICKING NOISE.
I WOULD REMOVE BOTH VALVE COVERS.
AND YOU WILL SEE THE BLACK PLASTIC OILER TUBES.
FEEL FOR THE PLUG AT THE BOTTOM. THE ONE THAT IS MISSING
THE PLUG IS THE ONE THATS MAKING THE TICK NOISE.
I RECOMMEND REPLACING ALL OF THEM.
SOMTIMES YOU CAN FIND THE PIECE THAT CAME OUT OTHER
TIMES YOU CAN FIND IT IN THE SUB OIL PAN.
GOODLUCK

My 97 e420 with 80kmi is making a little ticking noise at idle, almost a faint diesel sound.
Is that what we are talking about?
How long could I ignore it? I don't really feel like taking this on for a few weeks.

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2008 S550
2010 GLK350
1997 E420 (retired)
2005 CLK500 (retired)

IF I WERE YOU IDE PARK IT. IF THATS THE NOISE IM TALKING ABOUT, YOUR NOT GETTING SUFFICIENT OIL SUPPLY TO THAT LIFTER (S). THATS NOT TOO BAD OF A JOB. YOU DONT HAVE TO
REMOVED THE CAMSHAFTS. YOU CAN LOOSEN ONE BEARING CAP AT A TIME AND REPLACED THOSE OILER TUBES. GOODLUCK