Strange sound at startup. - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

heks · #1 07-17-2005, 04:54 PM

Hello

Today I started up my 1983 300D and the starter missed a couple of times (I could hear the starter turning ...but it wasnt turning the motor over).
Since then everytime I start the car I hear a noise that sounds like a "tin can" bouncing around for about 4-5 seconds. I also hear the noise when driving the car but it is not very loud at all.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to what the problem might be?

Any help is appreciated.

pawoSD · #2 07-17-2005, 04:58 PM

Could be a possible sticking starter solenoid, which would delay the starter from disengaging once the engine is started, this happens occassionally when its colder out on our '83 SD

WANT '71 280SEL · #3 07-18-2005, 09:24 AM

The starter turning but not engaging is the starter bendix needing attention. Pull the starter and have it fixed, rebuilt, or replaced with a rebuilt. I don't know how a bad starter can make a bouncing tin can noise? If you were getting a high pitched grind then that would be the starter not disengaging. I think (if I understand your description of the noise well) that the noise and the lack of starter engagement are not related. Just my $.02

Thanks
David

pawoSD · #4 07-18-2005, 12:45 PM

I had a bouncing tin can noise for a year after I got my car, then I finally replaced my weeping water pump....noise gone. I'd check some other locations (such as water pump) for that tin can noise. It could very likely be failing bearings on your water pump or alternator or some other item.

heks · #5 07-18-2005, 09:21 PM

I just think that its odd that it happened the second after the starter would'nt engage.

A coworker of mine told me his friends car did the same thing and it was bearings in the starter.

When I get a chance I will crawl under it while it is running and see if i can pinpoint the sound.

heks · #6 07-19-2005, 12:53 PM

Today the starter did not engage again and it made the exact same tin can sound as the starter was spinning.

I think it is the solenoid or bendex.
I am going to go ahead and buy a rebuilt starter.

Does anyone know a good place to buy one in southern California (San Bernardino area)?

WANT '71 280SEL · #7 07-19-2005, 06:17 PM

If yoiu can have the car down for two days or so why not just take it off and have it rebuilt at a local automotive electrical shop? That's what I did. It cost me $113. I can't remember what a Bosch rebuilt costs but by the time you pay shipping to return your core it's not really worth it. Or at least sending from Indiana it isn't.

Thanks
David

heks · #8 07-28-2005, 02:35 AM

It turned out to be the starter.

I bought a rebuilt Bosch from Pep Boys for $125 (has a lifetime warranty). I took out the old starter (F**K that upper starter bolt

) and it was in bad shape.... I was able to grab the bendex and wiggle it around a bunch.

Put the new starter in and all is well once again.

Thanks for the help everyone.

pawoSD · #9 07-28-2005, 02:37 AM

Good to hear! I hope its a long while before I have to mess with my starter, so far its never had a problem in the 2.1 years of having the car.......

Robby · #10 07-28-2005, 11:08 AM

I have the same grinding sound in my 300SDL for a few seconds after I start the car, I am going to get the starter rebuilt. I have no idea how to take it out could you please let me know the steps to remove it.

Do I need any special tools and is it relatively easy? Thanks a ton!

WANT '71 280SEL · #11 08-01-2005, 01:43 AM

Robby, the 603 starter is rediculously easy, the 617 is the opposite.

Thanks
David

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