87 190E 2.3 8v: Engine rattle at startup- Tensioner?
 

I did multiple searches regarding engine noises at start up, chain tensioners and timing chains.

The 87 190E 2.3 8v has a rattle at startup that disappears after a few seconds and I am suspecting the tensioner and/or the timing chain.

Car has 210k miles on it. I know the head has been off, but I don't know when/ or miles.

Questions:

-Is this typically the tensioner and/or the chain?
-Could it also be the belt tensioner or does this make noise continuously?

One odd item is after I did the last oil change to 15w-50 Mobil 1 the engine runs much more smoothly. Several family passengers remarked on the fact without any prompting which made me wonder of the thicker oil pumped up the tensioner?

Finally, if I do need to do the tensioner and chain, can anyone point me to the thread(s) that I may follow to do the repair.

Thanks in advance,

Haasman

bump

sorry no responses, but you can read my adventure that just started
 

If you have not done this already, try the BELT tensioner shock absorber first.

That thing will cause a rattle.

While motor is running, press down hard on the top loop of the shock absorber, and see if the rattle goes away.

if you haven't had the tensioner updated the cause of the rattle is three-fold:

1) the chain has stretched and needs to be replaced

2) the tensioner is the old style without an internal ratchet which maintains tension until oil pressure is built up.

3) in the absence of correct tension on the timing chain, the chain actually hits the valve cover until tension is re-achieved.

this is a common problem with earlier W201s.

you will need to replace the chain and tensioner (obviously) and quite possibly the timing chain rails and guides. it depends on the amount of wear that has occurred on these components. ensure that you get the upgraded tensioner.

go to www.190revolution.net and search there. LOTS of info on that site.

this noise is not associated with the drivebelt tensioner.

the rattle is t