c280 engine knock on start up
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From: FLORIDA
99 C280
c280 engine knock on start up
Hi all I need some help, on my c280 103k miles, when its cold the engine knocks for a few seconds when started. Can the oil be draining down from the oil filter causing a zero oil pressure dry start? Is there a oil drain back valve in the system that may have failed? 
Thanks Jack
Thanks Jack
Last edited by JACKC141FE; Nov 7, 2008 at 12:42 AM.
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From: Henrico, Virginia
2014 ML350 4Matic
My 2000 with 126K has done this since I bought it with 60K. Since it was under an M-B extended warranty I had the dealer check it out several times. When I finally was able to talk to the Shop Foremen he told me it is carbon buildup on the top of the pistons. The M112 V-6 has very small clearances and is somewhat prone to this problem. He recommeded adding a cleaner like Techron every 5K or so. It seems to help on mine - the knocking is considerable reduced.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: FLORIDA
99 C280
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: FLORIDA
99 C280
My 2000 with 126K has done this since I bought it with 60K. Since it was under an M-B extended warranty I had the dealer check it out several times. When I finally was able to talk to the Shop Foremen he told me it is carbon buildup on the top of the pistons. The M112 V-6 has very small clearances and is somewhat prone to this problem. He recommeded adding a cleaner like Techron every 5K or so. It seems to help on mine - the knocking is considerable reduced.
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From: Henrico, Virginia
2014 ML350 4Matic
I don't think the OP is talking about valve noise. The noise I have experienced, and I believe the OP is describing is a distinct knock - it sounds more like piston slap or even a rod knock.
Mobil 1 0-40 or 5W-40 is the currect spec for this engine.
Mobil 1 0-40 or 5W-40 is the currect spec for this engine.
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There is some good information here: https://mbworld.org/forums/showthread.php?p=3156412
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From: Atlanta, GA
C230K
From what I have read, it could also be a pulley bearing going bad or a tensioner going bad. I am dealing with a quick bit of knocking sound at startup and have read about many different causes, so it may not be a simple diagnosis. You need to experiment more and give us a more detailed description.
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From: Henrico, Virginia
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An MBUSA update issued to dealers on June 5, 2006 instructs dealers to draw down their stocks of 0W-40 in preparation for a change to ESP Formula 5W-40. In the FAQ section the bulletin states that the new specification MB 229.51 is a universal oil that can be used in both diesel and gasoline engines. It goes on the state that while the 5W-40 is under study for AMG models, the dealers should continue to use 0W-40 in those models. It goes on the state the 0W-40 will not meet MB 229.51 specs. It also states that 5W-40 is backwards compatible with 0W-40.
The only place I can find ESP 5W-40 is the dealer. I still use 0W-40, but it is getting hard to find locally, and not due to the hurricane driven shortage. It just doesn't sell well locally so all the stores have reduced stock and I have to order it. My dealer price on ESP 5W-40 is competitive so I will probably have to switch soon for convenience sake.
The only place I can find ESP 5W-40 is the dealer. I still use 0W-40, but it is getting hard to find locally, and not due to the hurricane driven shortage. It just doesn't sell well locally so all the stores have reduced stock and I have to order it. My dealer price on ESP 5W-40 is competitive so I will probably have to switch soon for convenience sake.
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An MBUSA update issued to dealers on June 5, 2006 instructs dealers to draw down their stocks of 0W-40 in preparation for a change to ESP Formula 5W-40. In the FAQ section the bulletin states that the new specification MB 229.51 is a universal oil that can be used in both diesel and gasoline engines. It goes on the state that while the 5W-40 is under study for AMG models, the dealers should continue to use 0W-40 in those models. It goes on the state the 0W-40 will not meet MB 229.51 specs. It also states that 5W-40 is backwards compatible with 0W-40.
The only place I can find ESP 5W-40 is the dealer. I still use 0W-40, but it is getting hard to find locally, and not due to the hurricane driven shortage. It just doesn't sell well locally so all the stores have reduced stock and I have to order it. My dealer price on ESP 5W-40 is competitive so I will probably have to switch soon for convenience sake.
The only place I can find ESP 5W-40 is the dealer. I still use 0W-40, but it is getting hard to find locally, and not due to the hurricane driven shortage. It just doesn't sell well locally so all the stores have reduced stock and I have to order it. My dealer price on ESP 5W-40 is competitive so I will probably have to switch soon for convenience sake.
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From: Henrico, Virginia
2014 ML350 4Matic
Interesting note: The September 2006 issue of Factory Service Products listed 229.51 oils for both gas and diesel cars. The 2007 issue contains a notation that 229.51 oils are for diesels only.
So I stand corrected.
I have attached the latest issue for your information.
So I stand corrected.
I have attached the latest issue for your information.
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How do you come about those PDFs? I would like to see the latest release, I would imagine there have been updates since 2007.
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From: Henrico, Virginia
2014 ML350 4Matic
Untertürkheim
The August 2007 issue is the latest release. I get them from the Startekinfo website. It is part of the free information available on the site. I have attached a screen shot showing where it is located on the site.
The August 2007 issue is the latest release. I get them from the Startekinfo website. It is part of the free information available on the site. I have attached a screen shot showing where it is located on the site.
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