Clickity Click Click Click #4 Valvetrain
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,266
Likes: 170
From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
Clickity Click Click Click #4 Valvetrain
So, 193K miles. 2.3L M111
Recently I start getting a clickity clack on #4 valves.
It comes and goes.
What could it be?
You don't adjust valves on these right? So what keep the proper clearance?
Are there hydraulic lifters?
Been living with a leak on the side of the head of #4 for a long time.
Just put a quart of coolant in every 1000-2000 miles or so.
Maybe less. Not sure if thats related.
I saw a vid online about adjusting the chain tensioner on M111.
Would this help?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsEcUpvoFlk
Or maybe I have a clogged oil passage? Should I flush the engine?
Usually read that's a bad idea.
Recently I start getting a clickity clack on #4 valves.
It comes and goes.
What could it be?
You don't adjust valves on these right? So what keep the proper clearance?
Are there hydraulic lifters?
Been living with a leak on the side of the head of #4 for a long time.
Just put a quart of coolant in every 1000-2000 miles or so.
Maybe less. Not sure if thats related.
I saw a vid online about adjusting the chain tensioner on M111.
Would this help?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsEcUpvoFlk
Or maybe I have a clogged oil passage? Should I flush the engine?
Usually read that's a bad idea.
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
The hydraulic zero lash followers/tappets on these engines rotate & if the noise comes & goes you might have a follower more worn in one spot than another or you might just have a tired follower or a gummed up follower. If you have a gummed up follower that is slow to react then a one-off 5K oil change may free it without mechanical intervention.
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 904
Likes: 22
From: Toronto, Ontario, Canada, eh!
2003 C230 Sports Coupe, Paprika Metallic Red, Auto, Pano, Leather
Gummed up by carbon buildup,.... do you use Chevron Techron regularly,... MB recommended fuel injector cleaner added to fuel. Do you use SeaFoam,.... non MB recommended additive,... but SeaFoam added to fuel will clean fuel system,... SeaFoam added to engine oil will clean carbon from engine internal,... maybe a good idea to add SeaFoam just before an oil change,.... SeaFoam can also be added to throttle body,...
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
The gummed up is usually a very light varnish deposit. I really don't like Seafoam in oil or fuel. I don't mind once through down a vacuum line or similar.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,266
Likes: 170
From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
A tired follower? Is that like someone who spends too much time on Twitter?
ha...
seriously, can you splain it to me please? Is there a part that might require replacement? If I could just find a place to work on my car...arrgh.
ha...
seriously, can you splain it to me please? Is there a part that might require replacement? If I could just find a place to work on my car...arrgh.
The hydraulic zero lash followers/tappets on these engines rotate & if the noise comes & goes you might have a follower more worn in one spot than another or you might just have a tired follower or a gummed up follower. If you have a gummed up follower that is slow to react then a one-off 5K oil change may free it without mechanical intervention.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
The cam runs on item 26 Hydraulic lifter/tappet. If 26 wears it leaks & does not maintain oil pressure. Then it clatters because it can no longer maintain zero lash. You can pop in new ones by lifting the cams.
EDIT ~ In this context:
Hydraulic lifter, cam follower, tappet = same.
EDIT ~ In this context:
Hydraulic lifter, cam follower, tappet = same.
Last edited by Glyn M Ruck; Nov 1, 2012 at 09:41 PM.
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