[W126 Coupe] Engine death rattle ?

[Richard Hesek]

  I have been driving my 87 560 SEC about half time over the last 3 weeks.
3 or 4 days per week instead of 7.

The last 3 or 4 times I have started it, there is a light rapping which
lasts as long as it takes for the engine to start. Once it is running the
rap disappears.
This is not a tapping, ticking or rocker arm noise.
It is as though the oil has not reached all the parts it is supposed to
lube.

  The timing chain is original and has 100k miles on it. I assume the oil
pump chain is the same also.
Good power and normal fuel consumption.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Rick Hesek
Northboro, MA