C230 Sport Coup

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.

SeaCoupe

Eff, this is so not good! You can take the cover off to check the tightness (yes that's a technical term) of the cam journals at a minimum.

Glyn M Ruck

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.

SunnyRayToronto

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,...

Glyn M Ruck

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.

C230 Sport Coup

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.

Glyn M Ruck

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.

jimwv

i had my engine vacc'd in other words, all the carbon removed by a mechn'k. disconnect the fuel system and run deturgent thru it, for an hour.

i still had the same nosie afterwards