Possible tappet rattle A160

[Rilman]

Hi, my wife owns an A160 which has developed a loud ticking noise, It sounds to me like a dry hydraulic tappet, (I'm presuming the tappets are hydraulic) I've had the oil and filter changed but with no luck.

I was a mechanic for 15 years or so so I'm capable of replacing it if need be but the garage I took it to told me the engine has to come out to get the head off, does anyone know if this is true or have a slightly easier solution that I could try first please?

Thanks.

 

[Joe2mercs]

Check the belt tensioner pulley damper, sometimes the metal dowels rattle within the rubber bushes and sounds just like a bad tappet. If it is this you will note that noise is often worse when the car is running in "drive" and held on the brake and gets better when in "park". To double check simply apply pressure to the end of the damper with a screwdriver whilst the engine is running and note any change in the noise.