E200 W124 tapping noise when cold :-(

[marcintosh]

Just heard something a bit worrying. Loud'ish tapping noise right after starting from cold. It disappeared when I accelerated. When hot, the engine ran smoothly as always. The car has done 120K miles.
Cam chain/tensioner?

 

[Howard]

Possible a tappet on the way out ?, not filling up with oil properly after startup, once the engine is hot the oil thins a bit and finds it's way in ....

If you have a good indy and are on a budget, he should be able to isolate the tappet and change that one (i did this , cost me £60 as i am poor) , otherwise change them all ...

Sounds like someone banging a bit of scaffolding with a screwdriver ...

Somone else more mechanically minded will know for definate, as i have all the technical know-how of a tin of corned beef ...

 

[TKB13]

Just heard something a bit worrying. Loud'ish tapping noise right after starting from cold. It disappeared when I accelerated. When hot, the engine ran smoothly as always. The car has done 120K miles.
Cam chain/tensioner?

Almost definitely a hydraulic tappet, and nothing to worry too much about. Sometimes a change of oil grade helps. There is also an additive obtainable for such a fault. Mine had this fault until I changed to a fully synth. oil (5W/40) about 10 months ago and has been fine since.

 

[marcintosh]

Sounds like someone banging a bit of scaffolding with a screwdriver ...

That's exactly the sound it makes. It is due for oil service soon so will see if it changes anything.