Question
the San Francisco Flee
QUESTION: I own a 1985 500sel with standard size v8. Runs just fine but started 6 months
ago making ticking sound inside valve cover, passenger side. I only paid 3,400
dollars for this ride and it is wonderful car. Inside is perfect and I have been
cleaning it and keeping it nice. Now this ticking sound. I was hoping to only drive
this car gently and hope for the best. My question is are my valves are broken? Is
this curtains for my babies engine? Thank you. Bill, San Francisco California
ANSWER: Bill
if it is just a ticking, does it get better when the engine warms?
Could just be vavle adjustment, or worn valve, are you burning oil?
Not a major issue , how many miles on the car?
Worse case is that it is your timing chain , if that is the case , get it fixed sooner than later.
Timing chain noise is most noted at cold start up, near front of engine, more of a clanking than ticking.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: thanx Bill!
It does not get sounding better as engine warms.
It has 225,000 miles
It is not burning oil
It was listened to briefly by a mechanic, He said my problem cannot be adjusted and that shims can
be put in but that might not work. I thank you for takin' a crack at this with email. You are amazing!
I have taken this car to LA and back, (950miles) sacto often (200) and do about 300 miles a month
around town. What I love about this sled so much is the interior. The previous owners kept it really
nice. I can't belive it but I see these beauties for sale often here in No. Calif. There was a 1990 560sel
w/ 5.6 engine for 2800. And another similar one for 2200. I am 6ft8inches tall. I am learning all I can
about these because they really are the best big sled ever built. IMHO. cheers
Answerwow , 225K - then it probably is lifters and your mechanic is correct at that mileage the shims will not work. At that mileage someone cared for it. I have seen these car with 350-400K on them with good maintenace
If it were mine ,since you are not burning oil, I would drive it , run a little heavier oil and do more frequent oil changes. You may also try some high mileage additives for valves. Does not sound like chain but at 225K it may not be far off. Drive it and if the engine goes south then have another put in, for 2K you would have a new car! The 85 SEL big bodies are some of the best cars ever produced by MB. Most affectionados will rate the 85-86 W126 big bodies as the best of the best for MB. I have an 84 and a 72 and have owned many in between.
Good Luck, sounds like you have a winner
