M156 infamous ticking sound, but only in the cabin

[Theador]

I’m getting a ticking noise in my W204 C63 which initially I thought was the classic M156 ticking. Speeds up with engine RPM etc. I can only hear it from inside the car though. Outside, nothing more than injector tick when the bonnet is up. When the RPM and speed is high I can’t hear the ticking, but putting that down to increased wind and exhaust noise. Any ideas?

 

[jasonh]

You can get a lifter that drains down if the car hasn't been driven for a while. It takes a few miles before it fills back up, perhaps 20 mins even. Then it should go back to normal - hopefully it's that.

 

[Theador]

You can get a lifter that drains down if the car hasn't been driven for a while. It takes a few miles before it fills back up, perhaps 20 mins even. Then it should go back to normal - hopefully it's that.

I’m going to try some Liqui Moli lifter cleaner stuff and then do an oil change shortly after. It does seem to be worse at startup after the car has been sat for a while. Thanks

 

[BlackC55]

Are you sure its is an engine noise?

 

[Theador]

The Liqui Molly has done the trick.

 

[badgx]

I use additive to help our hydraulic lifters. I put in fresh oil and add 2 cans. At the next oil change I would like to switch brands to Pro Tech HLC, I believe both brands are good and are made in Germany.

 

[Skd884]

MB advise not to use additives.

 

[Theador]

MB advise not to use additives.

It’s done the trick. I’ve put it into the old oil and will be changing the oil in the next few days.

 

[Theador]

Are you sure its is an engine noise?

Tapping noise has gone and engine running smooth. I’ll keep a closer eye on the oil level over the next few weeks just in case.

 

[mark_le_b]

MB advise not to use additives.

They do. But this stuff appears to work and seems to be widely suggested as helping keep tappets quiet. What are the downsides do you know?

 

[sirius9]

Liqui Moly Additives just makes the oil thicker and mask the sound, slows the wear & tear progression a bit. Does nothing in terms of solving the actual problem, if any.

 

[Theador]

Liqui Moly Additives just makes the oil thicker and mask the sound, slows the wear & tear progression a bit. Does nothing in terms of solving the actual problem, if any.

Surely that depends which liqui molly you buy? The one I got was the cleaner. It certainly did something as the first bit of hard WOT driving after engine had warmed up saw a plume of smoke for a few seconds. Driven 100 miles since that now and oil level is good and only minimal tapping on cold start. Will be changing the oil in the next few days.

 

[badgx]

If I could offer my advice. The additive will clean oil holes and ducts in the oil circuit, gallery and ensures that hydraulic tappet once again works optimally. By this cleaning effect, it reduces hydraulic tappet noise .

 

[Theador]

If I could offer my advice. The additive will clean oil holes and ducts in the oil circuit, gallery and ensures that hydraulic tappet once again works optimally. By this cleaning effect, it reduces hydraulic tappet noise .

Thank you. Yes I assumed that to be the case too. I’m keen to also now change the oil as well

 

[jasonh]

Engine oil already contains an additive pack to optimise the oil for the application. What you're doing here is adding extra detergents to your oil. You're doing this because your engine needs those extra detergents to clean out restrictions in narrow oil ways and orifices.