Camshaft Causing Ticking Noise

[Kirk32]

Hello,

I am new member and new 71 280sl owner without much knowledge yet.  Having my car mechanical restored right now and my mechanic is telling me my ticking noise is coming from a incorrect camshaft on my car.  My camshaft has a 05 on the end with 1140516161 on the side of of it.  Is that camshaft even correct for a 71 280sl and if not would that only be causing a ticking noise wouldn't cause more problems if incorrect.  Sorry in advance in my inexperience and would appreciate any input.  Thanks

[Cees Klumper]

I can't quite see how an incorrect camshaft would produce a ticking noise. Provided it is running in correct-size camshaft bearings, the only difference with other camshafts would be the lobe profiles?  Maybe I am missing something.

[DaveB]

I don't know whether that's the correct camshaft for your motor but check that the overhead oiler tube is not blocked and that none of the three valve cover retaining brackets have been contacting the cam

[Benz Dr.]

Ticking noises are often caused by worn cam lobes.

[Kirk32]

Thanks for the info guys. But cam and lobes look to be in good shape.

[Kirk32]

Here’s the 05 stamp. Which I don’t know if is correct for the 280sl.

[stickandrudderman]

I think I can see a witness mark between cylinders 1 and 2 where the rocker cover mounting bracket is fouling the camshaft.

[Kirk32]

Thanks for the reply.  Can you please explain further.  I am new to this so I apologize in advance to my lack of knowledge on this. 

[waltklatt]

Think there are some oiling issues and improper alignment of the camtowers.
See the uneven wear on the camtower surfaces on the cam.  Looks like the rear parts are more wearing then the fronts are.  Meaning if you look at one of the tower rings on the cam itself, front half is not wearing evenly as the rear half.  Looks like a split in the middle of the wearing surface.
Is that clear to you?
Walter

[Kirk32]

Thank you

[Pawel66]

Here’s the 05 stamp. Which I don’t know if is correct for the 280sl.

Please find enclosed a handful of info about camshafts in our cars. 05 is there, it is a late US camshaft. Us camshafts were less "sharp" then Euro (Emission control regulations). Do not worry too much about the number on the casting. They were not changed with every modification. The fact it starts with 114 does not mean it was not used in W113. There are at least two part numbers for the US camshafts for 280SL, both starting with 114 (not your casting number though).

You are getting advise on possible source of noise already.

I am not a mechanic, I can only say that ticking may also be heard if the clearances are wrong (you have to adjust them in these engines - has your mechanic done that, and, done correctly?), when cam lobes or rockers or lash caps wear is excessive or when you screw down the valve cover too tight - its supports bent and start touching rockers.

The geometry and oiling issues, as waltklatt is spotting, are, however, priority to check in my opinion.

[Pinder]

I have recently fixed a ticking noise that I had and it was one or more of the following.

1. (worn lobe on camshaft, replaced it with a re ground one). replace rocker arms and lash caps. adjust valve clearances. re-torque head. NOTE: one or two rocker ball arm studs were lose. they are not cheap but i was able to stiffen them up by deforming the thread to get an interference fit. this worked well.

2. add shims to cam towers to correct rocker arm geometry. (this did not really make any difference)

3. fix exhaust leak by manifold. and weld another hole in the muffler. (this made a much quieter car and probably main cause of ticking sound)

4. valve cover brackets were rubbing on cam. adjusted them by bending back in place. (this i think made somewhat of a difference)

5. Timing chain tensioner was not keeping chain in tension. minor sanding of plastic cup inside timing chain tensioner fixed this so that the small ball bearing seals the inlet hole.

So in my case there were multiple problems. Check the easy ones first.

[Kirk32]

Thanks you guys!  If it is what  waltklatt is spotting, what is the best way to fix that issue. and In terms of how I should approach the mechanic on that issue you are spotting.  Yes he is a highly recommended mechanic for these cars but I do not know him that well.  Thanks again..

[Pawel66]

Highly recommended mechanic not able to recognize cam shaft for M130 for 280SL? Please...

[ja17]

First of all as mentioned, make sure that the valve cover holders are not touching the camshaft. If so you will get a ticking noise. Simply look to see how close they are when assembled. As mentioned you can also look for a rub mark on the inside of each valve cover hold down strap. Bend the straps outward away from the cam if needed. Be aware that the straps get closer to the cam when the valve cover is tightened down. Look for the rub marks first!

[Kirk32]

Haven’t seen it myself yet but mechanic says it’s not the covers. Here a pic looks to be on clearance.

[Benz Dr.]

I saw this once. Ended up being loose valve stem keepers. Eventually, the valve dropped into the cylinder and smashed a piston. Rare enough problem that could be heard but not seen.

You better pull the head if you can't find anything external that caused the noise.

[MikeSimon]

I don't know what was all done to the head/valves. But if the rocker arm ball studs are worn, it will be difficult to set and hold the proper valve clearance. After you adjust the valves and think all is OK, they will still be loose and make noise.

[ja17]

Looks like the back strap is close to me? Did you check it for a rub mark on the inside of the strap. Maybe bump it over a bit.

[ja17]

Sometimes the rocker arm surface will wear and the camshaft does not. You can easily identify this situation by checking the valve adjustment. The one with the worn rocker arm will have way too much clearance. Remove it and check it.

Also sometimes after cylinder head work the "arch" of the rocker arm will contact the rim of the top spring retainer before the rocker arm contacts the "pressure piece".

Also included a picture of a valve cover support worn by a camshaft.

[Kirk32]

Thanks!  Will check all you mentioned this weekend.

[Kirk32]

It was none of the issues mentioned. I was told the camshaft lobes are too high. So he is going to replace it with a used camshaft that has a 01 stamp on it. I’m hoping all will be good.

[Pawel66]

Too high lobes? On 05?

I am not and expert, but this sounds odd to me... Curious what would experts say to this.

[Kirk32]

Yes on 05. Which I read is actually  the better replacement to the 01 that he is putting in.
He says some sort of modification was done on the 05. Again this is all new to me so I am learning as I go. But I don’t really have a choice but to go with it now I guess.

[MikeSimon]

I would like to know some expert opinion also. My head will need to be put together and I have both a 02 and a 05.