clacking noise from under valve covers

[The Gunslinger]

Howdy everyone!

This has been happening for some time. On my 1990 560SEL, sometimes when i start the old girl up, there will be a loud clacking noise from under both valve covers, with the one on the driver side being a little bit louder than the other. I let her sit and idle for a while, untill she warms up, because i figure the oil has just settled and because its cold it needs to get flowing again. After about 2 or 3 minutes, the clacking gets a little quieter, then disapears at which point i then begin to drive. Shes done this since i bought her and its never seemed to be a problem. It doesnt do it every time either, only when its a little colder.

Could this be a sign of anything? id rather find out now than have her decide to die on the highway on me.

Thanks for your help!

 

[television]

Not sure if this is the oil taking too long to get to the top, or a little temperture related. What is the condition of the oil ? and what oil is it in there. Does one flush in a case like this.

Malcolm

 

[The Gunslinger]

the oil is as clean as a whistle. I change it every 5000 k on the dime. Doesnt seem to matter if the oil is clean or dirty

 

[Socrates]

Do you have an oil pressure gague on your car? Is teh oil pressure taking all that time to reach full pressure, it shouldn't take that long. It certainly sounds like valve followers needing to get up to pressure. I have a valve follower clatter on my 103 powered 300SL but it dissapears after just two or three seconds - literally. If there was some blockage or other in the oil galeries it might not show as mucky oil, it might be worth giving it a flush with a propriatory oil flush product. If you haven't got an oil pressure meter on your car I'd see if you can get the pressure checked from cold.

 

[jimsinessex]

Could it be down to the viscosity rating of the oil being used. I notice the enquiry comes from Canada where they probably use thinner oils than we do in the UK. Perhaps one of our oil experts could comment?

Jim

 

[The Gunslinger]

well, im not sure about the oil viscosity. The pressure reaches full 1 or 2 seconds after ignition. I have it running 10 w 40, because she does have a few leaks in her. But keep in mind i never drive it in the winter as i dont want the car to rot away from the salt they use on the roads here, i only drive it in the summer, so the oil would be (i think, feel free to correct me if im wrong) more viscous in the summer, right?

Still have no idea whats causing it.