ok, I was finally able to get a recording. How do I post it for some of you guys to hear?

It's kind of large. A 3.4MB MP3 file

Thanks!

YouTube will work.

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1987 300TD 309, xxx 2.8.2014 10,000 mile OCI


Be careful of the toes you step on today, as they may be connected to the ass you have to kiss tomorrow. anonymous

“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter won’t mind.” Dr. Seuss

apparently an audio file does not work in youtube.

OK, I found a way to make a movie with a still shot. I really hope you guys can help after hearing this. Note at the very beginning there is not much clacking. Then it has a few isolated pops and after a while it is a pretty consistent clacking. When it revs, it goes away. After driving for a while it also pretty much goes away, but it does go in and out sometimes.

I would appreciate any thoughts.

http://www.youtube.com/embed/johfX7x3QsY

Nice job on the video. And, well worth the effort.

The "problem" is a very slight injector knock at idle. The 603's are somewhat prone to this. It's absolutely nothing to be concerned about. You can pull your hair out trying to find the source if you wish. Crack one injector at a time and see which one will cause the knock to go away. You could try to change that injector. Might correct the problem.........might not.

Injector knock can also be caused by slight amounts of air in the system or any injection timing that is slightly off on a specific cylinder.

FWIW, I have much more serious injector knock on the SDL after changing delivery valve seals. Apparently, it's going to take some time to disappear.

That "problem" is not a bad problem to have. It will not affect the performance or the durability of the engine in any way.

Brian:

The injectors are all new, so maybe the seals in the IP? Or timing? I can revisit the timing.

Does everyone else agree with that? You don't think it's an internal mechanical issue Brian?

If you recently changed injectors, you'll need to put 250 miles on it before you evaluate it for injector knock.

It is not an "internal mechanical issue" if that is defined by camshaft, valves, pistons, or timing chain and/or guide issues.

Thanks Brian.

I'll be interested to see if there is consensus. I appreciate the time to listen and give your opinion. Makes me more comfortable with it. I need to get the transmission rebuilt and didn't want to spend the money if I had an engine issue.

If anyone knows a decent Mercedes tranny guy in Houston, please let me know.

I bought my first MB just this summer and not having too much time on these things I was worried about the clacking noise now after watching your vid and the notes by other members I feel much better,, I have the same thing too.. 350, 000 kilometers 87 300 SDL,, no info on repair history,, so planning to get new injectors glow plugs , have the timing chain and rails sitting on on the bench,, getting a vac pump when I get a few bucks . Busy spring up here soon. BTW does this engine need the tappets adjusted,, or are they hydrolic and need no adjustment cheers and ty.

They are hydraulic and don't need to be adjusted.

__________________
1987 300TD 309, xxx 2.8.2014 10,000 mile OCI


Be careful of the toes you step on today, as they may be connected to the ass you have to kiss tomorrow. anonymous

“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter won’t mind.” Dr. Seuss

I don't think it is anything to worry about.

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Jim

Jim:

What do you think it could be though? Damn thing sounds bad :-)

Are you thinking injection related like Brian?

Jim:

I'd still like to get your thoughts as to what you think it is.

It sounds real similar to injector nailing to me too.

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Jim

Thanks to this thread and vitop's video I now feel good because mine sounds just like it after rebuilding the turbo, and thinking I screw something up.

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1994 ~ S420


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1998 Monaco Dynasty 40'
1994 S420, 1999 Ford ClubWagen