Noisy tappets when cold, 190D 2.5

[Adrianh1]

Hi, had quite distinct tap-tap-tap noise this morning (well, more than usual) after starting from cold (though it clears fine after the engine has warmed up). I also get a bit tappet noise sometimes when the engine is hot and has been driven hard (thoughly this is fairly erratic and can disappear after blipping the organ pedal). I don't think it's anything to worrry about but grateful for ideas.

The car's done 185,000 miles and the oil pressure is great - always on '3' the moment you touch the accelerator. Until recently the oil was changed every 6,000 miles but now I"m changing it every 3,000 miles. At the last change I added STP diesel oil treatment as an add-on against engine wear.

Thoughts?

THanks

 

[c250 turbo diesel]

Answer

Hi, you sure it's the tappets, or the belt tensioner, when you get the rattle next, put a screwdriver behind the belt tensioner and see if it stops !

 

[Adrianh1]

Hi, you sure it's the tappets, or the belt tensioner, when you get the rattle next, put a screwdriver behind the belt tensioner and see if it stops !

Right, thanks. Will try this.

Cheers

Adrian

 

[ghardill]

Tappets

Hi,
As I recall this is a common "intermittent fault" with the hydraulic tappets - mine has done it from new (1987) and still does it 255,000 miles later.
It's nothing to worry about.

George

 

[Stevie A]

I agree with George. The tolerrance decreases when the weather gets colder so tappet noise on start during Winter will more than likely disappear come Summer. See the sprinter thread "problem solved" as it mentions tappet noise cured by Castrol Elixer 5W/50 oil.