VIDEO: What's this clacking noise? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

PanzerSD · #1 09-27-2009, 01:30 AM

Got a new Camera so I took the time to shoot some videos of the problems I've been trying to explain here on the forums.

Clacking sound number one Passengers side Cylinder head:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9pTWvWNCn4

I thought it was an exhaust leak, but after inspection I cannot find any leaks. When I have the Oil filler cap off and I look inside the valve cover, whichever lobe is most visible appears to be HEAVILY marred and scored. could I have a lifter that has collapsed? or a SERIOUSLY out of adjustment valve-train?

This next one is my Steering column:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9nJjcgs8ao

I tried to get into the steering column by way of taking off the steering wheel, but couldn't disassemble it any further. The steering BOX is securely attached to the car and the tie rod ends are in fair condition. It sounds like there's some sort of coupler that has come loose and it rotating against it's attaching bolts. I have about a 15 or 20 degrees of rotation on either side of center before the slack is taken up and the steering shaft begins to turn.

hookedon210s · #2 09-27-2009, 02:15 PM

Pull your valve covers starting with the passenger side. It sounds like the camshaft oiler tube is clogged at various places causing a lack of oil to the rocker arms/camshaft lobes. Plastic oiler pieces that connect to the camshaft bearings could be defective too. Don't run the engine until you determine and correct the fault. Mark

hookedon210s · #3 09-27-2009, 02:19 PM

Check the flexible coupling between the steering box input shaft and the end of the steering column. Mark

PanzerSD · #4 09-27-2009, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hookedon210s

Check the flexible coupling between the steering box input shaft and the end of the steering column. Mark

I know that part is ok, this sound is coming from right behind the steering wheel, just above my lap when I'm driving. I have another steering column, I may just swap it out, if it isn't too much of a pain in the a$$.

hookedon210s · #5 09-27-2009, 04:33 PM

I just noticed that you are from the cold country too. I would be willing to make a big bet that the oiler tubes are clogged from sludge causing damage to the rocker arms and camshaft. You will need to remove the oiler tubes, flush them with carb cleaner, remove the sludge from the oiler holes with a suitable tool, etc., on both sides of the engine. Be sure to replace the plastic bits for each camshaft. I had this happen on my wife's Euro 79 450SEL many moons ago but caught it fairly early (lots of metal shavings and some wear marks on the cam). Although not a technically correct and complete repair, I did not replace the camshaft and merely replaced the damaged rocker arms and pads on the valves (2 damaged lobes) and drove the car without incident for another 50K miles or so. It all depends on how much damage there is to the camshaft. Slight ridges may be OK. On a customer's 350 the lobes were so damaged that camshaft replacement was required. Good luck. Mark

PanzerSD · #6 09-27-2009, 05:08 PM

Well, I have an engine from a 74 SEL that has non-hydraulic lifters in the valve train assembly, and the cam shaft APPEARS smooth when I peer into the valve cover, I'll know more tonight. I suppose this is one of those jobs where I might as well put a timing chain in as well? I can't afford any more extended downtime. If I had all the parts ready and had a list or steps I could probably knock it out in a day and a half...

tinypanzer · #7 09-28-2009, 05:42 PM

I wouldn't drive it with either of those problems. The poor motor sounds like a Diesel, it does indeed sound like the cams are not getting properly oiled, especially if you are noticing heavy lobe wear. If that is indeed what is happening, then the motor is wearing out by the minute.

The steering, gosh I dunno. But that much play would have me too scared to drive, especially if it sounds like something is getting loose and could let go at some point.

PanzerSD · #8 09-28-2009, 10:24 PM

K, well, I'm gonna HAVE to drive it. It's my primary transportation. This weekend, I'll have to take alook, luckily I have spare heads and cams (older cams too!

)

hookedon210s · #9 09-29-2009, 07:19 AM

Quote:

K, well, I'm gonna HAVE to drive it. It's my primary transportation. This weekend, I'll have to take alook, luckily I have spare heads and cams (older cams too! )

IMHO a big mistake---at a minimum there will be metal filings circulating everywhere in the engine causing serious collateral damage even possible engine fire due to extreme heat caused by metal on metal contact. Find some other way to get to work. Mark

abe g · #10 09-29-2009, 12:26 PM

Possible sticking hydralic lifter can cause this sound. Sometimes an engine additive can free this up.Worth a try before panicking. Any thoughts on this ? Good luck Abe G

tinypanzer · #11 09-29-2009, 04:55 PM

Well, I'd start by pulling off the valve covers to see what is going on. If lobes are disintegrating, I really wouldn't drive it.

PanzerSD · #12 09-30-2009, 10:36 PM

I took a good long look inside my valve cover (without removing it) and the scoring I mentioned earier isn't really all that bad. Its obvoiusly scratched by the rocker arm, but I touched it and my fingernail doesn't really grab on anything. I stuck my bore-o-scope in deeper and couldn't see anything broken, misaligned or otherwise out of the ordinary. With the engine running, there's oil coming down frrom the tube in every spot. I bet it's a collapsed lifter. or something else. Starts fine and idles with a little miss, but that developed recently..

PanzerSD · #13 09-30-2009, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abe g

Possible sticking hydraulic lifter can cause this sound. Sometimes an engine additive can free this up.Worth a try before panicking. Any thoughts on this ? Good luck Abe G

That's exactly what I'm thinking, I've had the car since late march, but it's been down with transmission issues since May, so I haven't even had a chance to change the oil yet! I'll try some engine flush or something along with my next change.