I have a 2004 S 430 with 197k miles on it. When it first cranks cold there is an ever so slight tick that comes from the front driver side of the motor. After the car warms up the tick goes away.

I've taken it to my indie repair man but by the time I get there the tick is gone. I just had an oil change a few hundred miles ago. Do I have anything to worry about like maybe a valve adjustment? If so, is it a DIY job?

 

No worry as most of the chance it is the purge valve working to release the fule vapour. It will start by itself occasionally.

Howard

 

check oil level, our cars do burn alot of oil, it probably needs topping of, get some marval mystry oil and top of with it. i add a quart with every oil change.

 

don't make statements that you can't support with facts. I've had 3 cars with M113s and not one of them burns a drop of oil. In nearly 6 years, I have never once had to add oil to my s500.

With that sort of mileage, I'd be looking at lash adjusters (lifters if you want), chain tensioners, or even possibly a timing chain that has stretched a bit.

hows the car run? Any codes?

 

The easiest thing to do first ,i would check oil level, then it that is good then start digging for problems.

 

Thanks to all for the responses. Other than the issue I mentioned the car runs great; no misses, no codes - smooth as silk. I think I'll leave it with my repair shop and let him check it when its cold.

 

This is my 1st post after registering here. I have an '01 S430 with 89k miles that has been owned since new by elderly family members and now is in my possession/ownership. Along the same lines of this thread, my car has slight noise in the front of the engine that reminds me of timing chain slap from my old 3.5 and 4.5 MB V8's that I used to own. Do these newer engines still have the same type TC tensioners? The car starts and runs fine, oil changed 4k ago and is full. When warmed up, on slight effortless acceleration, and deceleration at @ 1000 -1300 rpms, I hear a rattle when driving with the window down. I need to get the car from FL to CA and was going to take a nice drive home but now this. How many chain tensioners are there? I remember the old V8's with one on the pass side front of the engine.
Any and all info is greatful and helpful.
Happy new Year All!!