Do you hear what I hear....??

Let me throw this out to you.... on acceleration from a stop to about 15-20mph, I hear a muffled tapping sound from the right side engine compartment. Kind of sounds like the sound of a baseball card flapping on bicycle spokes. It doesn't do it all the time , but does it enough to concern me. It does not do it if I rev the engine, only on motion acceleration. This is happening on a 1989 560SL.
Appreciate all replies.

George

[Walrus]

I was hiking one day, several years ago. Upon approaching a rocky clearing, I began hopping from rock to rock when a bronze-colored flash caught my eye. As I neared closer to where the "thing" appeared, I heard a distinct "rattling/buzzing sound"... Instinctively, I high-tailed it in the other direction. I had never heard a rattlesnake before, but I did not need anyone to tell me that was what it was! A little while later, after I had recovered my composure, I ventured again closer to the last sighting... Sure enough, It was a rattler.

In other words... I have never heard a chain-slap on a 117 engine, but I think I would recognize it immediately... And I would expect it to sound like you described.

I think I would get a second opinion rather soon... maybe even tow in to shop rather than drive.

Tow cost... $70 bucks
Engine replacement... $7000 bucks
Piece of mind... Priceless

[DanielG]

Yes -- I use to hear it -- check out this thread:

Fluttering noise on acceleration


It turned out the rear axles needed to be replaced. I heard the sound from the right rear (not the front), so maybe its your front axles?

Walrus and Daniel G., Thanks for your reply. Walrus, I was told that for the timing chain to be suspected, there would be a sound emitted on starting the engine, even before shifting into gear and then into motion. But I agree, my first concern was a timing chain issue.

Daniel...I read your tales of woe and offer my condolences for your pain. I have the car going into the shop next week and will offer all suggestions that you have shared with me.

Again, many thanks to you both.

George

[tecqboy]

I had that very bad timing chain sound. There was no doubt about the source. It occured quite suddenly after a cold start. But I got real lucky. The problem was only the hydraulic timing chain tensioner. Much less expensive to repair.

[DanielG]

Hey George -- did you find out what was causing the noise?