I've search these forums for something that matches my symptoms but I feel I am not using the correct verb to describe the sound I am hearing. I used the term 'whirring' but more descriptive would be 'like an old washing machine'. It seems to be more noticeable when the engine is not a full operating temperature and is only fairly faint. The turn up the radio 'repair' method works great on this one!

One condition to produce the odd noise is that the engine has to be under load - revving it in park/neutral up to 2200 rpm does not produce the sound. From the driver's seat I swear it is coming from the injection pump side of the engine but I cannot rule out the turbo. There seems to be slightly less power in this RPM range and if I try to accelerate quickly from ~2000 rpm, there is a definite pause and even a slowdown before the engine revs up.

Just to get some probable follow-up questions out of the way:

1) Timing - never had it checked
2) Timing chain - engine has only 115k mi
3) MAF sensor - original since I bought the case (20k mi ago)
4) IP - new delivery valve O-rings, otherwise never had it checked
5) Injectors - never had them checked - idle is slightly uneven when warm
6) Engine - burns pratically no oil - Rotella-T 5w40 + filter every 5k miles

Any help is greatly appreciated.

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Scott C.

2006 E320 CDI (120k miles)
FOR SALE: 1998 E300 Turbo Diesel - Black w/Tan Leather - Euro delivery (236k miles)