190 2.3 Rattle at 800-1000rpm

Hello all, I am new to the board, and happy to be here. Lots of very interesting info. My question to start with is: My 1986 190e 2.3 has a "rattle" that is only present between 750-1000rpm. Hot or cold, it does not matter. It appears to be coming from the front of the engine, so I am guessing it to be the belt tensioner damper. Just wondering if any one has seen(heard) this before I climb under her and replace the damper and/or tensioner. I also believe this be part of my AC problem(erratic compressor speed, shutting down the compressor due to vibration). Just wanted to throw this out and get some opinions from the group. TIA.

[vutown]

190guy,

First of all, welcome to this forum. I'm sure you'll make this your second home. Anyhow, with your rattling noise, have you considered going underneath the car and checking out your heatshields that cover the exhaust pipe? Mine rattles within the same RPM, and it drives me nuts. While your car is cool, go underneath and make sure all shields and pipings are secured.



Hope this helps,

Vu

Vu,

Thanks for the reply. I have checked the underside for the rattle. Everything is nice and tight. One observation I did make, is, when holding the throttle around 900 rpm, I watch the tensioner pulley vibrate a little more than it should. It shudders during the same time the noise is being heard. I would assume that possibly the rattle is somewhat being caused by a worn damper for the tensioner pulley, or perhaps a worn tensioner. Before replacing the parts, I thought I would ask here, to see if anyone else has had, or heard of the rattle being caused by the tensioner or damper. The car also has somewhat of a rough feel to it during acceleration of 700-1100 rpm. If I knew the cause of that, perhaps the vibration and noise would cease. I would think the idle and acceleration should be smoother than it is.

Thanks,

Ron