Engine Ticking Noise
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From: Oakville, Ontario Canada
'89 300E
Engine Ticking Noise
My 89 TE has nearly 400K km, or 250K miles on it. It uses no oil beyond the usual timing cover and cam cover leaks. No blue smoke, no oil in the coolant. But I do hear a ticking sound when I accelerate. Very predictable. If I step on the gas, especially from a start I hear the ticking. When I back off the gas, it stops. My fear is piston slap, but I don't know. Could it be timing chain tensioners? It only happens under load.
Thanks for any help!
Thanks for any help!
Thread Starter
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From: Oakville, Ontario Canada
'89 300E
Hmmm, maybe the previous owner was running sub-91 octane. I just got the car, and just filled it with top grade, so maybe the noise will go away as I drive more tomorrow. Thanks for the tip.
Open to more suggestions...
Open to more suggestions...
Thread Starter
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From: Oakville, Ontario Canada
'89 300E
Thanks guys. JoeR, I think you've hit the nail. I know I have an exhaust leak for sure (by the sound), and the ticking does seem to come from the area of the manifold. Hope that's it, since I was afraid of something inside the block.
Thanks again.
BTW, how difficult is it to fix a leak like that? Yank the manifold and fix a gasket?
Thanks again.
BTW, how difficult is it to fix a leak like that? Yank the manifold and fix a gasket?
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From: Germany
'00 S320 W220, '98 A160 W168/ sold in 2005 '86 260 E W124 '90 260E W124
If it is the exaust, then check the gaskets between the manifold and the head. Normally they burn and do this noise. To inspect them you need a mirror and a bright light, since they tend to burn at the lower part of the gaskets. It is a DIY job to change them, but will take some time to do. You need to open the joint between the manifold and the muffler. Then open the nuts at the manifold, and hopefully break none of the threaded studs. In most cases when you open the nuts the stud including the nut come out. WD40 will help a lot.
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Thread Starter
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From: Oakville, Ontario Canada
'89 300E
Bamberger, thanks so much for your kindly and detailed advice. 13benz, I do think it is the exhaust and not valves. The noise does not seem to be in the top end. That was my first thought too, until I leaned over the engine and listened closely. Then I was afraid it might be inside the block. I was relieved to learn it could be exhaust. I'll keep you posted.
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From: Germany
'00 S320 W220, '98 A160 W168/ sold in 2005 '86 260 E W124 '90 260E W124
Originally Posted by 13benz
if it's not an exaust leak is a valve adjustment needed?
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From: Belfast, N Ireland
93 320CE, 72 280SE 3.5, 55 220A, 05 E280CDI, 88 Mini Mayfair, 90 Peugeot 205GTI, 04 Mini Cooper
I had a similar problem with mine and it was the manifold gasket. The studs were stuck firm so I smeared the gap with exhaust repair paste.....which worked!
Got it fixed properly though when I had the head gasket done ...... but as I suspected two studs broke which the mechanic had to replace, better him than me.
If this is not the problem you're timing may need adjusted to account for higher grade fuel ....... my '55 220a has a varriable switch on the dash to allow for advance/retard of timing to account for differing fuel and to eliminate the ticking you get with various grade fuels.
Got it fixed properly though when I had the head gasket done ...... but as I suspected two studs broke which the mechanic had to replace, better him than me.
If this is not the problem you're timing may need adjusted to account for higher grade fuel ....... my '55 220a has a varriable switch on the dash to allow for advance/retard of timing to account for differing fuel and to eliminate the ticking you get with various grade fuels.
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From: Oakville, Ontario Canada
'89 300E
Thanks again, guys. Hmmm. Exhaust repair paste sounds tempting. Terry what is that beautiful picture on your posting? Belfast at night?
Also, have you ever removed the rear window motor? If so, how'd you get it through the glass?
The car goes in tomorrow for its safety prior to licencing, so I'll keep you posted on its condition.
Also, have you ever removed the rear window motor? If so, how'd you get it through the glass?
The car goes in tomorrow for its safety prior to licencing, so I'll keep you posted on its condition.
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From: Belfast, N Ireland
93 320CE, 72 280SE 3.5, 55 220A, 05 E280CDI, 88 Mini Mayfair, 90 Peugeot 205GTI, 04 Mini Cooper
Originally Posted by Froodmine
Thanks again, guys. Hmmm. Exhaust repair paste sounds tempting. Terry what is that beautiful picture on your posting? Belfast at night?
Also, have you ever removed the rear window motor? If so, how'd you get it through the glass?
The car goes in tomorrow for its safety prior to licencing, so I'll keep you posted on its condition.
Also, have you ever removed the rear window motor? If so, how'd you get it through the glass?
The car goes in tomorrow for its safety prior to licencing, so I'll keep you posted on its condition.
I assume your talking about electric windows, I've not touched mine but I would guess the moter comes out through the door once the trim panel is removed, theres plenty of space.
Good luck with the test, mine is due in a coupla weeks
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From: Oakville, Ontario Canada
'89 300E
Hi guys. Been offline for a few days with computer probs. The car passed its safety. Now it just needs shocks all round and the suspension bushings replaced to make it feel normal. I'm amazed at the integrity of the engine and tranny--both as smooth and powerful as my first 300E which had less than half the wear and tear as this beast with its quarter-million miles.
Re. the rear window, I meant the back, on the tailgate. Anybody know how to get the wiper motor through the glass? Feels like I'm really forcing it when I try.
Re. the rear window, I meant the back, on the tailgate. Anybody know how to get the wiper motor through the glass? Feels like I'm really forcing it when I try.
