tappet noise 2002 C240

[Mr Charles Borg]

Throughout cold period this year I have encountered a tappet noise. Seems to disappear when engine is at normal temperature. Noise is not constant and appears at irregular times. Is it valve clearance ? or something else. Now warmer weather - noise has disappeared any suggestions.

 

[cubicincubi]

what oil were you running during winter?

sounds as thought the oil wasnt getting to the cam train til warm

a lot of engines will sound tappety from cold in the winter. It's normal imho, best you can do is use a 5/40 fully synth in the winter.

 

[Mr Charles Borg]

Can't tell what oil is in engine as I've only had the car for some 9 months.You could well be right. Should I change oil now to be on safe side or wait till winter?
Many thanks cubicincubi

 

[jberks]

If you don't know the history, always change the oil immediately. If it was serviced at the dealer, they will list what they put in on the service book. If you don't have that info, get it changed, use Mobil1 or equivalent and see if it improves.