hello:

the patient is a 92 400e with 80k miles. somehow still think that i am lucky to have found it. after stilling for 5 days, went out to start it one morning, and for my trouble got a good couple of seconds worth of noise - sounded like rocks in a hi-c can...about a month or so later it happened again. pretty much assuming that it is the timing chain or tc tensioner that is the culprit but am looking for input since it does seem kind of early for that sort of thing millage-wise. if the tensioner is not holding pressure, wouldn't this occur more regularly? part of me is nervous, the thought of a chain going is not pleasant. part of me is thinking that i might as well wait until i get the rattle at startup consistantly or 100k, whichever comes first. would really appreciate getting some feedback on this one. thanks.

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stuart

You could always have a shop check it for stretch, it may be time to change it...100k or not? And waiting for it to break or make more consistent noise is not a great idea. You've priced head work lately?

If it's rattling you likely need the tensioner replaced. Very cheap insurance.

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Mike Tangas
'73 280SEL 4.5 (9/72)- RIP
Only 8,173 units built from 5/71 thru 11/72

'02 CLK320 Cabriolet - wifey's mid-life crisis

2012 VW Jetta Sportwagon TDI...at least its a diesel

Non illegitemae carborundum.

One overlooked thing about 119 engines..... oil pressure check valves in the filter houseing. Cheaper than chains and normally fix these noise issues. Of course you check 119's for stretch and rail condition around 130k and popping in a new tensioner is not a bad idea.



Joe

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Project Smoker, '87 603 powered wagon
Hauler, 96 CTD can you say torque?
Toy 73 Cougar xr7 convertible
Acme Automotive Inc.
Raleigh NC
919-881-0364

Just another Idea, on the 117 engines your airpump can make the same sound as the tensioner not holding pressure and it is located right below the tensioner. Not sure if there is the same on a 400e though and it last about 30 to 40 secs. Easy check unplug the clutch power if it stops the noise then it is the air pump.
m

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Martin Ingram
Colorado Springs
2005 320 CDI
2006.5 VW Jetta TDI
1991 560SEL (179000 Sold)
1972 280SEL 4.5 ('The Lead Sled' 320000 miles when sold.)
1972 220D (225000 when sold)

Joe: is there any diagnostic for the oil pressure check valve, any way to see if it is working, or not?

Thanks.

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stuart

Martin: thanks. though the duration doesn't quite work with this issue, might dig around a little bit and see if i can more accurately pinpoint this rattle...

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stuart

Thanks everybody for the input. guess that i knew that i knew before, that i am just going to bite this one, since it looks just a little too complicated for me to change out. times like this i really do miss my old volvo.

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stuart

Thanks everybody for the input. guess that i knew that i knew before, that i am just going to bite this one, since it looks just a little too complicated for me to change out. times like this i really do miss my old volvo.

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stuart