I've been looking for references to my problem all over the place and just can't find any. I have a '78 euro 350slc with 250k. For the past 10K there has occasionally been a series of knocks at cold startup, like taat, tat, tat, tat, tat. Then it would be ok, however lately it seems to be doing it at hard acceleration(not very loud though.) Any ideas? Thanks mark

Two things come to mind
1. At cold start excessive valve clearance
2. Spark knock (pinging) when hot and under heavy acceleration.
May need to check timing, valve clearance.

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Jeff Lawrence
1989 300e
2000 Dodge Grand Caravan SE

i have the same problem and in my case it is the bad head wich won't make it keep the compresion

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Dan Younes
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1985 euro 500sel 223k
1986 420sel 86k soon 2 be
1981 300sd 285k sold
1979 240d 298k sold
1983 300sd 272k sold
1989 chrysler 2.2l Turbo
Leabaron 140k
1989 Dodge Carvan Se 295k
1994 S500
(hopefully someday)

I recently had the timing set and compression tested which was good. What exactly is valve clearance? Can I leave it alone or will it lead to problems.

Valve clearance is the distance between the end of the valve stem and the end of the valve lifter mechanism (also known as valve lash). If excessive, can produce a tapping or clicking type of noise, usually louder when things are cold. If present with hydraulic lifters, something usually needs attention or repair. If solid lifters, usually can be adjusted to mostly eliminate this noise. Believe you've got hydraulics, so if they are making this kind of noise, may be worn out or leaking down. However, hard acceleration should not markedly increase the noise level, it should just get quicker. You may have more than one thing going on here.

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Jeff Lawrence
1989 300e
2000 Dodge Grand Caravan SE

So is it ok to drive with this defect? Assuming it's the only one? Will it damage the engine or something? I can live with the noise. Oh yeah, if it helps at all: 0-100 11.5 sec, 220kph top speed(indicated). Oil consumption about 3.5L/1000km.

[This message has been edited by Mark Sare (edited 09-21-2000).]

If my conversion is correct, your oil consumption is 3.65 quarts of oil in 600 miles.... or a quart every 165 miles.

I would say this is excessive!

Sounds like the valves are worn out or severely out of adjustment.

Have this checked ASAP.

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William
76 240D (W115) - 550K miles
78 300D (W123) - 200K+ miles

You can say that again. Everytime I accelerate I set up a smoke screen.
The mechanic said it's the valve guides. About 1000DM or 500 dollars to fix.

The valve seals are worn in my 240D, and the consumption is less than 2qts per 3000miles or 2L per 5000Km. Your consumption level is not really consumption.... more like a steady flow of oil out the tail-pipe.

$500 for a valve job sounds a little high. Check around for better pricing, such as a good machine shop. The one local shop to me, did a complete valve job and re-surfaced the heads on my Mustang.... $20 per valve (R&R) and $40 for re-surfacing (including valve seats).... total job for V-8 was $360.... the car runs like new now!

Good luck

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William
76 240D (W115) - 550K miles
78 300D (W123) - 200K+ miles

I think that 1L of oil consumption per 1000km is considered normal for this car. I can't believe that .4L/1000km is "worn" for you.

When I first bought the car, it would only burn 1qt (L) per oil change (3000 Miles). Over the past year it has crept up to double that, so I figure they are starting to wear.

When it gets to 1qt per 1000miles, I will do a valve job on her.

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William
76 240D (W115) - 550K miles
78 300D (W123) - 200K+ miles