W124 230CE Ticking noise from top of engine

[shaunk_22]

Hi, my 230CE has developed a ticking problem coming from the top of the engine. Could it be a hydraulic lifter? It seems to get gradually louder then stops suddenly, and get gradually louder again, then stops, and keeps doing this. It seems worse when idling and upto 1800rpm. Any ideas?
Thanks, Shaun.

 

[shaunk_22]

I also should have mentioned that it does this when the engine is cold and hot, and not only when started up. Oil seems fine, and hydraulic lifter cleaner has been ran through it already. Thanks.

 

[grober]

Might be the timing chain tensioner although location would point to a hydraulic lifter as you suspected . Might be worth lifting the cam cover and checking any of the cam lobes for scoring and to check if the cam oil spray pipe isn't blocked. Sometimes its best just to renew any offending item.