Hello Group,
Vehicle in question is a 2002 ML 400CDI.

My question is in regard to a certain "marbles-in-a-can" sound which is heard only on startups, after that it is no longer heard.
Because the duration is very short (2~3 seconds) and because this is my very first diesel, it took me a while to distinguish it from the usual diesel engine clatter.
The sound reminds me somewhat of the sound of collapsed hydraulic lifters in gasoline engines!! Could that be it, even though the vehicle has only 70,000 KMs (approx. 44 K miles)!!
Or could it be the timing chain tensioner leaking oil when the engine is not running and then upon a startup, chain slop would cause this sound until the tensioner fills with oil?!

Generally speaking, should this concern me too much or should I wait for more symptoms to develop?

I had wanted to include in this message a recording of the sound but it seems that only graphical files can be uploaded to this site! Maybe I can upload it in a zip file?! And if someone is interested in hearing this sound, please tell me what is the most common/best sound file format I should use?!

Thank you all.

kayooh,

I have no experiance with this engine, so I can't really help you with your problem. I see you are in Texas, how did you manage to get a hold of that beast in the USA?

Anyway, I'd LOVE a copy of that sound file you have. I'm at LNewcomb99@cox.net the most common formats of sound people use is .wav and .mp3

Hello,
I tried to upload two zipped sound files but was told that they were too big (over 300k each).
So I'll email it to anyone who may want to listen.

First file is of the engine when started after a long stop (How long? I haven't really timed it!).

The second is of the engine when started after a short stop. You can clearly ( easy for me to make such a claim after I have missed it for weeks!!)

Anyway, you can hear the sound I am referring to in the first few seconds of the before file.

Thanks.

Hi,
I have just emailed you the two zipped files I mentioned in my last post. I sure hope they don't clutter your inbox!

I hate to say it but the truck is NOT in the US yet!! But I am working on it.

Take care.

I JUST got to hear the files you sent me. And yes, that does NOT at all sound right. HERE is a good video of an S400 CDI in action.

I can't offer any real answer to what the sound is. I'll be able to post it on my webstorage this by weekend for others to hear.

BTW, is this the same 2003 ML400 CDI as THIS thread? If you can, I'd still walk away from this one. But if you can't, what better to work with than Mercedes' top-of-the-line, cutting-edge diesel! You still have what we dream of (I'd prefer a G400CDI, but I'm just odd like that )

Any news on this topic?I have the very same problem.How much would it cost the repair?
thank you.

Totally out in the weeds, but try turning your A/C compressor off after the noise has stopped. Hitting the A/C off button doesn't do it on my E320 CDI, you have to actually turn off the climate control. With the compressor off, it makes a noticeable rattle style noise, but as soon as the climate control is turned back on it stops immediately. I have an electronically regulated A/C compressor though, so when it's "off" with the climate control on it runs at 5% or so I think.

I think the only repair is to get a new compressor.

__________________
John Robbins
'05 E320 CDI - 240k
'87 300TD - 318k