86 300e question

[Wazza]

When the car is started from cold i sometimes get what sounds like a noisy tappet for about 3-4 seconds and then it's gone. Other times no tappet noise at all when starting up. Am i right in thinking this 12v 6 cylinder has hydraulic cam followers and one of these is the problem ie not retaining oil and is only noisy when the engine has been stopped with that particular follower under pressure from the cam ?

thanks for your help

warren

 

[Rog_E]

Hi Warren

yes you assume correctly, the tappets are hydraulic.

Some noise is to be expected at first start whilst oil circulates to the tappets.

Generally best left alone, however if the tapping occurs excessively or at higher revs then either the oil needs changing (would have to be very old oil for this) or the followers have worn!

HTH

Rog.

 

[Wazza]

Thanks

Thank you for the advice.

Warren