Ticking sound from the engine - Benzworld.org

srmalek · 11-08-2006, 05:44 PM

Hi , ive got a 1997 E230 , auto with 105k on the clock,

I can hear ticking sound from the engine , what seem to be the problem?

Thanks guys

TyBenzo · 11-08-2006, 05:59 PM

Ah, the infamous cam oiler problem. The cam oilers are either cracked, clogged or broken. Cam oilers/guides lubricate the lifters which are making the ticking noise. It usually happens like clockwork around 100k on '97's. A 1000-1200k job @ the dealer.. or do it yourself with around $300-350 in parts, it's no too difficult....

Here's a guide
http://www.mercedesshop.com/Wikka/M119OilGuides

srmalek · 11-08-2006, 06:09 PM

Thanks , but does the website applicable for the engine for w210, its an w119 ,

oh if i just leave the ticking sound what will be the damage to the engine?

jkb · 11-09-2006, 04:24 PM

Although only one had failed I just had all 8 cam oiler lines replaced on my 97 e420 (they are plastic and apparently don't last forever under engine temps). Mileage at 106K. Decided to replace all external rubber parts (belts and hoses) at same time and flush all fluids while we were at it.

Ticking is gone.

**Musikmann** · 11-09-2006, 05:54 PM

Couldn't ticking also be the valves?

ProV1x · 11-09-2006, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jkb

Although only one had failed I just had all 8 cam oiler lines replaced on my 97 e420 (they are plastic and apparently don't last forever under engine temps). Mileage at 106K. Decided to replace all external rubber parts (belts and hoses) at same time and flush all fluids while we were at it.

Ticking is gone.

did you do the repairs DIY? or at a shop?

how much did all the repairs run, without the fluid changes.. i need to do the same thing. thx

TyBenzo · 11-14-2006, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Musikmann

Couldn't ticking also be the valves?

Yes it is the valves. The cam oilers/guides lubricate the valves and get brittle and break/crack around 100k miles like clockwork on '97 E420 and similiar Benz's. Once broken they cannot lubricate the valves anymore, hence ticking noise that is VERY annoying.

TyBenzo · 11-14-2006, 06:44 PM

Also I highly recommend If you experience this problem have both Sides (banks) of the car done. This way they are both done at the same mileage and chances are If you only do one side and you have around 100k on your car, the other side will begin to tick very shortly afterwords.

TyBenzo · 11-14-2006, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by srmalek

Thanks , but does the website applicable for the engine for w210, its an w119 ,

oh if i just leave the ticking sound what will be the damage to the engine?

Damage to the engine? Not likely. I've seen these cars run with broken cam oilers AWHILE before getting replaced without any problems. But I do recommend getting fixed soon.

Yes that website is for our engine and will work. Good luck

**Musikmann** · 11-14-2006, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TyBenzo

Yes it is the valves. The cam oilers/guides lubricate the valves and get brittle and break/crack around 100k miles like clockwork on '97 E420 and similiar Benz's. Once broken they cannot lubricate the valves anymore, hence ticking noise that is VERY annoying.

Thanks for the clarification; I obviously don't know the spacial (or functional) relationship between the cam oilers/guides and the valves themselves.

By the way, are we talking about intake, exhaust, or both here?