Hello a new member here would also like to say Hi.

My problem is my with my Father's Merc 280E 1985 A reg 110 Engine ?

Being not really mechanical myself please bare with me i am only relaying his details or information.

The car is great and he has owned the car for many years.

In the morning only sometimes it rattles on starting up from around the timing belt.

This does not happen for long and does not happen at all some mornings.
He has used a timing chain tensioner ( he know's what he is doing i don't)

Any help on the rattle as to why or advice i could pass on please.
All the best Wilf
Thank you before hand..

Come on Guys any advice please.

More likely that no one has ever heard of a chain rattle in a M110 engine. I never have and have owned two of them for a total of 25 years (had both of them at the same time for most of the time).

The chain tentioner is a ratcheting type and as a result doesn't loosen when shut down like the v8s can. Depending on mileage I would worry more about the oil pump drive. Probably a good idea to have it viewed by someone that knows what it looks like. Check the tentioning rail and the state of the gears. The oil pump drive will require some disassembly.

__________________
Steve Brotherton
Continental Imports
Gainesville FL
Bosch Master, ASE Master, L1
33 years MB technician

I will call my Father today & update him on your professional advice, and get back to you.
Thank you again.
Wilf

Dear Steve
I have chatted with my Father today and he would also like to thank you on your advice.

My father replaced the chain tentioner as i mentioned thinking that could of been the cause.

The only way i will try and explain what happens again via Dad ( who was a diesel fitter in his early days) me, just a relay, whishing he would get on line.
:-)

On some mornings and only some on start up he gets a noise that sounds a little like a tapping for around 3 mins then all ok even on revs.

He has no oil pressure drop while this is happening, the car is very cared for and i got the year wrong it is a 1983 UK 280E 110 engine with 136,000 miles on the clock.

His old trick of when the tapping happens to place a screw driver to his ear to see where it is coming from by placing it on parts of the engine is not working, and he swears that little men are inside the engine saying "Schhh" each time dad approaches the car each morning with screw driver at the ready.... as it does not happen tap tap... ( adding a little humour to it)

It is driving him mad really knowing that he could book the car into a workshop and it may not happen next day, as you mentioned the timming chain doesn't loosen, He knew that and was really please to hear it from you he has little faith in the Worldwide web bit before his time he thinks. if only.

The cost of the chain tentioner @ £60 plus, that he paid for via MB London really hurt his pocket and pride as not having solved the nagging taps.

I will leave this in your view and hope you could come up with some more ideas of Ifs, or could Be's .
All the best Wilf

I think i have scared Steve off :-)
Anyone have any advice ?
Regards Wilf

Wilf,
Spray some WD40 on the belts with the engine running. If the noise goes, you've found your problem.
Otherwise, you should change the timing chain. (A little tricky if you don't know what you're doing)
Colin Ferns (MB tech 25yrs)

Thank you i will pass on your message Colin.
Any onther advice ?
Regards Wilf

Just a bit more advice or ideas please.

Hi, I have a '78 280SLC with the same engine. It may pay to check the valve clearances. It sounds as though as the engine is heating up, things are expanding and clearance is getting smaller. Oddly, my one has absolutely no valve noise on cold statrup, but after it is warm I get a minor ticking.. The (cold engine) clearances for the M110 engine are 0.10mm for the intake and 0.25mm for the exhaust. Give it a shot, it can't hurt.

I have a l983 merc 280E. l60,000 miles,Mll0 engine.Over the last 2/3 months
it has developed a loud timing chain noise first thing in the morning for
maybe 30 seconds to 90 seconds and is then okay.

This does not happen everyday maybe 2/3 times over l0 days.The engine runs perfect otherwise.
I have replaced the hydraulic chain tensioner,No new spring was supplied.

My old one is about 3.l/4. inches long approx, Is this okay?
I have taken rocker cover off and turned engine over by hand. Sprockets and chain look okay.

If l turn engine anti clockwise a bit, chain guide compresses about
1/4 inch at tensioner and returns when l turn back, Is this okay?

I have checked the tappets .okay,They are not hydraulic.

I have owned this car for l5 years and changed oil & filters every 5,000 miles,

There is a 3 bar oil pressure.Any advice would be much appreciated.
Very Old Man.Hic.