Valve Tap
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'05 SLK55, Obsidian, black/red, light and premium pkg., COMAND with nav, airscarf, Sirius
Valve Tap
I've had my '55 for 2 1/2 years and 35K miles and have always thought that the valves were very noisy. I assume there is nothing wrong as the engine has always been that way and doesn't appear to be getting worse. Is this normal for this engine? Does it have anything to do with the engine block being aluminum? I'm curious to hear what other '55 owners have experienced with this, as well as any thoughts. I'm assuming that if I complain to the dealer they will just blow me off and tell me there is nothing wrong. I'm planning to keep the car long term, and I'm nervous that there might be long term damage repairable at MY expense after the warranty expires. Not only that, if I ever go to sell the car, will potential buyers think they are hearing a problem with engine.
Last edited by Shark; Oct 26, 2007 at 08:05 AM.
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From: Frisco Colorado, USA
2024 GLB35 AMG, 2020 S560 Coupe
As you suggest the dealer says "normal" and I don't believe it is a serious problem.
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2024 GLB35 AMG, 2020 S560 Coupe
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From: S.E. FLA.
05 ML-500 , 03 CLK5.5 AMG has left the Garage
Valve train noise
My Guess, is that the ROLLER on the end of the rocker arm, that contacts the cam shaft lobe is actually not rolling ,BUT is skipping across the lobe just past the circle base, you can see them after the cams are removed. the marks look like a ladder step bars / cross the face. Get it check out. That valve train should be QUIET. I've installed a lot of aftermarket cams , Customer comments, the motor is Quieter !! If you need a second opinion , go to the E-55 board. rflow306 may respond Cheers ___PTE___
Last edited by PTE; Oct 28, 2007 at 08:19 AM.
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I can't fully speak for a SLK 55, but my CLK 430 taps at start-up. I have searched everywhere for info, and to me it seems like a common MB problem. For the CLK engine there is a bad valve filament that causes the tapping before oil can lubricate on startup.
I took the damn car to the stealer twice regarding the issue.... Each time I was assured that it was normal. The morning after we bought my gf's ML 430 I heard hers do the same thing..... Now I just deal with it.
If your car is doing it during driving I would definitely have it checked.
I took the damn car to the stealer twice regarding the issue.... Each time I was assured that it was normal. The morning after we bought my gf's ML 430 I heard hers do the same thing..... Now I just deal with it.
If your car is doing it during driving I would definitely have it checked.
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I have had the same issue recently. My experience is that it reared it ugly head when the oil was low- e.g. 2 quarts. It allowed carbon to get into the lifter not allowing it to pump up all the way.
The solution is to keep your oil level correct. It will quiet it a little. Next go out and flog the snot out of it in a canyon. I did this and there is no zero noise
The solution is to keep your oil level correct. It will quiet it a little. Next go out and flog the snot out of it in a canyon. I did this and there is no zero noise
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From: Connecticut
2003 CLK55
My W209 CLK55 has noisy lifters. They are not that bad at startup but gets louder when the car is warm. Don't really notice it while driving but its really noticable when I come to a stop or just sit and idle. Very loud. I have almost 37K miles on the car and had an oil change at 35K miles. I'm assuming the oil level is normal. I'm gonna try a few bottles of Techron fuel cleaner. Maybe that will help. 
It's really annoying and I'm afraid it could cause damage down the road.
It's really annoying and I'm afraid it could cause damage down the road.
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From: Sydney, Australia
190D 2.5 (x2), 190E 2.6, W202 C240,W202 C43 (C55), W210 E55, W212 E250CDI
The N/A 55 engine has a known problem of carbon buildup on the top of the pistons which leads to a tapping noise.
The piston the head clearance is so small that a buildup of carbon can actually contact the cylinder head causing the audible noise. This is very common on vehicles which aren't driven hard or are frequently driven at slow speeds.
The best solution is to give it an "Italian tunup" or add some upper engine cleaner (subaru upper engine cleaner is very good).
The is also the fault of the roller rockers which are a little louder than they should be, this isn't as common but shouldn't be disregarded.
The piston the head clearance is so small that a buildup of carbon can actually contact the cylinder head causing the audible noise. This is very common on vehicles which aren't driven hard or are frequently driven at slow speeds.
The best solution is to give it an "Italian tunup" or add some upper engine cleaner (subaru upper engine cleaner is very good).
The is also the fault of the roller rockers which are a little louder than they should be, this isn't as common but shouldn't be disregarded.
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I know what you are talking about. you can heard it very good when you down shift manually 4th to 3rd to 2nd etc.
the car is my girls car and now she has an e55k amg and I dont hear that ticking noise anymore thank god.
just be glad u don't drive a c230k.. the valves make the engine sound like a diesel!!! and in my little experience, adding oil additives like lucas never helped
the car is my girls car and now she has an e55k amg and I dont hear that ticking noise anymore thank god.
just be glad u don't drive a c230k.. the valves make the engine sound like a diesel!!! and in my little experience, adding oil additives like lucas never helped
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From: NJ,USA
'10 c63,'03expedition,ducati999,22'Donzi
are you guys talking about an intermitten loud clicking or tapping noise that can be heard from around the block.if so, my car makes that noise as well. it's a purge valve for the fuel tank mounted near the ABS system.
