Engine shock-absorber noise

[BnObob]

I have been hearing a small roughness in the 1989 M103 engine. And so I got out the trusty stethoscope and probed around. While I heard some clicking, like valve lifters/rockers, and water sounds, I also heard a very loud 'banging' at the top of a device that looks like a small shock absorber, on the driver's side at the front of the engine. The top of this device is held in place between two approx. 1/8" plates. While there is some noise transmitting through the plates, the loud repetitive banging comes from the top round mount of this device. (It is located between cylinder #1 and the water pump.)

I don't like niose. Is this normal? Is the rubber mount/sleeve gone and needs replacing? Or is this noise just a manifestation of some internal engine noise and
just being transmitted to this shock-device ?

[Ivanerrol]

You need a new absorber. This is a common problem.
Replacement is a bit fiddley - but not overly difficult.

[mak]

Hi when you remove the engine shock run the engine again to confirm diagnosis and the lack of noise .Does the engine vibration increase without it and smooth with a new one?
mak
300se

[Hit Man X]

My SDL seems to do this, I held the shock with my hand and the noise went away. I agree with the others.