190E tapping noise resolved! - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

ScottyC190E · #1 10-25-2002, 01:45 PM

Well, as most 190E owners know an annoying tapping noise can be heard when your belt tensioner shock's inner bushings begin to wear. Well, hear is something you may not know....yesterday I had my mechanic totally alleviate my engine tapping noise by, not replacing the belt tensioner shock which was ok, but rather replacing a #1 hydrolic lifter. It's a very little part and only cost about $20. Total with labor was $150. Anyway, he said that, yes, the tensioner shock can create the tapping noise but in my case it was a lifter. Now my engine is very quiet and I am sane again. (I just can't STAND any ugly noises coming from a benz) Well, I will try to get more details if anyone has more questions. Later, Scott

Benz84 · #2 10-25-2002, 09:41 PM

My 84 190E is making a similar noise. I was wondering if it could be the same thing. Was the noise coming from yours more prominent in the moring? It really gets annoying and the car sounds like a junker becasue of this awful noise. I'm not sure what it is yet. Ryan

pentoman · #3 10-26-2002, 10:06 AM

Ryan - does your car only do it for a few seconds in the morning? Mine does when the oil hasn't been changed and should've. Check your oil pressure as you start it up and see how quickly it comes up.

later!

Benz84 · #4 10-26-2002, 12:08 PM

It makes the noise the most when I first start it, but when it warms up you can still hear it but it isn't as loud. I took it to our local MB specialist, and he said it could be the waterpump, or the timing chain. He couldn't tell because he said the timing chain is right behind the waterpump. I think it could possibly be the water pump because when the car gets warm, the noise is more muted. I think a timing chain would make the noise all the time. It is a rapping sound that is much louder in the moring. The timing chain replacment will be $800 + and I really don't want to spend that kind of money yet. If it's the water pump, the cost will be much less. Thanks for your reply...I just wonder what it is? -Ryan

ScottyC190E · #5 10-28-2002, 11:26 PM

Replace your lifters first. Then see if it's still there, then do the belt tensioner shock, then the timing chain. That's the order of inspection I would take from least to most expensive.

#6 03-24-2003, 09:49 PM

Scott,

I have intermittent tapping in my 1.8 while driving.When i stop, shift to N or P and rev, it's not there.

When I shift to D and drive, it's there.It is audible around 1500rpm and gets louder as the revs increase.

When I let off the accelerator, it gets softer and disappears. When I step on the accelerator again, it gets louder.Then as mysteriuosly as it comes, it disappears.This may happen with a cold or warm engine.

It's a sewing machine-like sound.

Does this sound like the lifters/belt tensioner shock?

If it were the lifter, wouldn't the tapping be there regardless whether i rev in N, P or D.As it is, the tapping is only heard WHILE driving.

I'm stumped, and worried...

Could it be a drivetrain issue?

Did you get any of these symptoms?

Azhari
Babybenz 1991 190e 1.8

JDUB · #7 03-25-2003, 11:44 PM

Azari, your problem sounds like the tensioner shock. You can verify this by applying pressure to the top of the shock. It is next to the plastic cover that covers the distributor cap.

sbourg · #8 03-26-2003, 02:03 AM

When you refer to it as a 'sewing machine' sound that is intermittent, that brings to mind alternator noise through the audio system amplifier. When you put your ear close to a speaker, does that seem to be the source of the sound?

If so, the typical cause is a bad ground, either at the ground connection of the audio system, or an engine-to-frame strap. The noise can often have a 'tapping' character to it as well.

Steve

#9 03-27-2003, 11:56 PM

Thanks for your thoughts, guys.

Steve - Had a friend with me to check while I drove and it's not a ground connection coz it's not from the speakers and definitely from the engine bay.

JDUB - Interesting thought, coz I saw a post regarding the tensioner shock that said "If I remember correctly, it takes up / damps quick motion and directional changes when you put your foot down on the loud pedal or when you let off suddenly" by Jay Yambrovich a long time back.

It would make sense coz I only hear the tapping sound when accelerating or decelerating as I mentioned in my earlier post.

I'll check it now and let everyone know how it goes.]

Thanks.

Azhari
Babybenz 1991 190e 1.8

#10 04-01-2003, 02:40 AM

I found the bolt (saw a tech using this bolt to release tension on the belt of another 190e) but i don't see the shock.

Where exactly is it located, and do i check for play if it is the cause of the tapping?

By the way, the tapping has mysteriously disappeared for the last couple of days but i would like to check and see if it is indeed the tensioner shock.

Help...

Azhari
Babybenz 1991 190e 1.8