With all the driving I do, I now have near 120,000 miles on my 2001 SLK 320. on the left head, I am getting a morning cold valve tick. It seems to quit down after I drive for a few minutes. Any ideas about what to do about it? Is there an adjustment? I does get louder closer to oil change time. I am using 5-50w quaker state full synthetic oil and OEM oil filters.

 

Hi BikerDrew,
Had the same tick myself at 75k. Changed to Mobil 1 10/40 and the problem disappeared and hasn't come back.
Your Qaker oil sounds OK but is it actually MB approved? With all the problems associated with incorrect oil usage in MB's in the USA I would give the recommended oils a go.
Is your hearing a little too acute for a car with 120+k on it?
Stuart

 

thnaks for the reply. My hearing IS sensitive to these things since I work on Harleys which make lots of weird noises anyway. So changes in "normal" noise stand out to me. Yes, It sounds like a dry lifter. Once warmed up and driven the sound subsides. The oil IS 229 grade but may be too thin. I might try Lucas synthetic oil treatment just to see if it makes a differance. Then change the oil to Moble one.