W169 tappet Noise still there after repair

xselseven

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This a170 petrol 2006 has 165000km and there is this tappet noise.
I had the hydraulic valve lifters replaced, as well as the timing chain, but the noise remains.

What could be the cause ?

Cams worn?
Oil pump pressure?
Faulty oil pump?
Gunk on oil pickup sump?

How to diagnose without taking out the engine?


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Arzaam

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Is it only on startup or when warm as well? were the timing chain guides and tensioner also replaced? are you sure its tappets noise and not something else? like the chain or if your model has a damper near the auxiliary belt. any service history? that would help see if there is any sludge or oil pump problems possibility.
 
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xselseven

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The noise is there all the time, in this strange rythm, going softer, then louder, in a loop. I did get to see the workshop work, and nothing significant, just a strange smell from the front after a rain.

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xselseven

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The timing chain was done but not the tensioner.

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xselseven

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The noise does sound like it is coming from the top of the engine, but someone else has suggested intake manifold actuators. What are your thoughts on this ?

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LostKiwi

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Does an A class petrol engine have actuators? I thought that was only diesels.
 

Arzaam

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I don't believe the m266 engine has intake manifold actuators, but the noise could be a idler tensioner as well but you say its form the top of the engine, if you can confirm its from the top using a stethoscope and you have already replaced the hydraulic lifters then it could be the cam, I hope no engine flush product was used recently. if it was oil pressure related or oil pump I would assume with revs the noise would go away or have a noticeable change.
 
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xselseven

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I don't have a stethoscope, but listened very carefully with my head cocked over the engine and it clacks louder at the left side when looking into the engine bay, and noise more muffled / subdued toward the middle of the engine and back of the engine.
I will test your oil pressure explanation and report back.

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Arzaam

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on the left side you mean the driver or passenger side? near the aux belt or timing chain area? or the intake?
 

LostKiwi

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When listening put a screwdriver to your ear. Put the blade to the point you want to listen to and the handle to your ear. It amplifies noises very well and can be useful to help pinpoint noises.
 

mattkh

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The noise is there all the time, in this strange rythm, going softer, then louder, in a loop. I did get to see the workshop work, and nothing significant, just a strange smell from the front after a rain.

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Hi
Removing the alternator belt, and then hearing the noises from that side of the engine is also a good idea.
 
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xselseven

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The left view is when standing in front of the vehicle looking into the engine bay, that would be the front of the engine, and right would be the gearbox side of the engine.

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Arzaam

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so that does seem like the area where the belt is so as said above remove the belt and check, something like a idler tensioner could also be making a noise from that side.
 

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