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1997 Mercedes-Benz E420

Question: Ticks

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Cint, Lithonia, GA, May 04, 2010, 19:48

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My car ticks does this mean that the motor is getting ready to go out? The car doesn't smoke from the back there is a constant tick or noise that comes from the engine.

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• Answer #1

  Visitor, January 14, 2011, 15:34

  You most likely have a failed oil tube under the valve cover that isn't letting oil pressure get to the lifter, so it's tapping because there's too much gap in the valve train for that valve. Pretty common problem on the 4.2 - the oil tubes are molded plastic and they get embrittled and have to be replaced. Not a hard job, but you have to pull the valve cover and lift a cam cap to replace it. The part is about $20 through the dealer, and it's best to use MB replacement units. I would suggest you replace all the tubes on the side that's making the tick, as others will fail too if they're original. This is something an independent german shop can do pretty easily, if you don't want to do it yourself.
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