Mercedes Sprinter Hydraulic Valve Lifter – LUK | NCV3 & VS30 3.0L OM642 | #6420500080 (2007–2022)

Worn or collapsed hydraulic valve lifters on a Sprinter OM642 produce persistent valvetrain ticking, allow inconsistent valve lift, and on a DOHC engine with 24 lifters, a single failed unit creates an audible knock that won't resolve until the damaged lifter is replaced. This is the LUK hydraulic valve lifter — also called a hydraulic lash adjuster or tappet — for NCV3 and VS30 Sprinters equipped with the 3.0L OM642 V6 diesel engine, sold individually for targeted replacement or complete set renewal during cylinder head service.

What This Part Does

The hydraulic valve lifter is a precision cylindrical element that sits in a bore in the cylinder head between the camshaft lobe and the rocker arm or directly under the cam lobe, depending on valvetrain configuration. On the OM642's DOHC layout, the lifter maintains zero valve clearance automatically by using pressurized engine oil to keep its internal piston extended against the cam and valve train components above it. As the cam lobe passes over the lifter, the lifter transmits the cam's motion directly to the valve, opening it precisely to the cam's designed lift profile. The hydraulic element compensates for thermal expansion, wear, and manufacturing tolerances without manual adjustment — a key advantage of the OM642's maintenance-free valvetrain design. When a lifter's internal check valve sticks, its oil feed passage becomes blocked with sludge, or its internal components wear beyond tolerance, it loses the ability to maintain zero lash — producing the characteristic tap or tick and allowing valve lift to become inconsistent on that cylinder.

Common Symptoms of a Failing Hydraulic Valve Lifter

• Persistent ticking or tapping from the cylinder head that is present at idle and does not clear after warm-up
• Cold-start ticking that is normal initially but should clear within seconds of oil pressure building — extended ticking indicates a stuck or worn lifter
• Rough idle or inconsistent combustion from a cylinder with reduced valve lift
• Valvetrain noise that is louder on one bank than the other — a sign a specific lifter has failed
• Metallic debris in the engine oil from a collapsed lifter body

When to Replace

Replace when a specific lifter is confirmed failed by listening with a stethoscope to isolate the noise, or when oil pressure is confirmed adequate and ticking persists beyond normal cold-start duration. Also replace as a complete set of 24 any time the cylinder head is removed for head gasket service, camshaft replacement, or valve service — mixing worn and new lifters on a freshly serviced head creates uneven valve lift and accelerated cam lobe wear.

NCV3 & VS30 OM642 Specific — VIN Verification Required

This hydraulic valve lifter is for NCV3 and VS30 Sprinters equipped with the 3.0L OM642 V6 diesel engine. Always verify your engine code and VIN before ordering. Contact us and we'll confirm fitment before you buy.

Fitment

• 2007–2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 / 3500 – 3.0L OM642 (NCV3/W906)
• 2007–2009 Dodge Sprinter 2500 / 3500 – 3.0L OM642 (NCV3)
• 2007–2018 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 / 3500 – 3.0L OM642 (NCV3)
• 2019–2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 / 3500 – 3.0L OM642 (VS30/W907)

✔ Sold individually — 24 required for a complete set (4 per cylinder × 6 cylinders)
✔ Always replace as a full set during any cylinder head service
✔ Ensure clean oil and correct oil pressure before installation

Part Numbers

• Mercedes OEM: 6420500080 / A6420500080 / 642-050-00-80
• Cross-reference: 4200086100 / PI06-0030
• Manufacturer: LUK — 420008610 / 45-4009
• SKU: 6420500080