UPDATE: What's the Clacking noise? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

PanzerSD · #1 10-13-2009, 12:46 AM

Ok, here's an update to an earlier thread: "What's that clacking noise??"

where I posted this video of the horrendous clatter that I hear whenever my M117 is running.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9pTWvWNCn4

I first assumed it was an exhaust leak, because the sounds was being transmitted and amplified thru my exhaust pipe; couldn't find a leak. Next, I suspected a stuck lifter; added ATF at oil change, to no avail.
While all this noise is going on, I was also experiencing a fairly obvious stumble on acceleration.

Finally, thanksgiving weekend arrives, and I have time and space to take a peek under the valve covers.

I'm glad I did,

and I'm glad I didn't.

Here's what I found:

First photo shows the nice clean valve cover. I was expecting a horrible sludgy mess. It was really quite clean! Second photo shows The camshaft. Oh the camshaft. a GOOD lobe.
and the Third photo unfortunately I found THREE lobes like THIS!!! Just on the right side!. I didn't have to remove the other cover to guess what shape that stuff is in...

Needless to say, I'm going to be overhauling my valve train VERY soon. I'm thinking tomorrow.

If YOU have seen this before, I REALLY look forward to your responses, stories or whatever.

See THIS Thread, for my (thankfully) only question on what to do next.

Tomguy · #2 10-13-2009, 08:04 AM

Clean those camshaft oilers... PLEASE!
Time for a new (or good used) cam set, rockers, & matching towers!

I have cams in my basement but I think my dad ruined them by taking them out of the basement and putting them in my covered car's very damp trunk. I had 2 great sets.

79Mercy · #3 10-13-2009, 05:45 PM

I'd make sure that the oiler tube is shooting enough oil on those cams that are badly worn.

PanzerSD · #4 10-13-2009, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 79Mercy

I'd make sure that the oiler tube is shooting enough oil on those cams that are badly worn.

I ain't gonna waste my time, it'll get aa donor cam, rockers and lifters from my parts engine. New tube and fittings.

79Mercy · #5 10-13-2009, 09:23 PM

just lay a towel of the engine and start it up and look. Don't you want to know why its worn down to a nub?

PanzerSD · #6 10-14-2009, 02:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 79Mercy

just lay a towel of the engine and start it up and look. Don't you want to know why its worn down to a nub?

I can pretty much guess why , lack of oil. not really much point in investigating further, but I will check the oil passages when I take it apart for the last time..

PanzerSD · #7 10-14-2009, 02:14 AM

Can the oil be pressurized with *Lightly*compressed air to get oil to flow from those tubes for long enough to see without running the engine?

Gurunutkins · #8 10-14-2009, 03:35 PM

I dont think you can blow them out with air without removing the rail in which case you might as well replace the fittings and clean it. all of my original ones broke when I removed the oil rail. the ends are both sealed and notched so they can only fit on one way but this also precludes any possibility to removing them easily to fit an air hose. here are some pics from when I replaced mine

the little outlet holes and a feeder hole for one of the middle connectors

the end stop connector - note the notch in the fitting and the slot in the pipe

its and easy job but all of mine broke off in the towers so make sure you have tweezers (or better still long forceps) to get the bits out of the supply hole.

hope this helps
cheers
Barri

PanzerSD · #9 10-14-2009, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gurunutkins

I dont think you can blow them out with air without removing the rail in which case you might as well replace the fittings and clean it.

I was talking about pressurizing the ENTIRE oil circuit in the engine via the oil pressure gauge tube. just ever so slightly to get oil flowing visually so see the apparent cause of my flat lobes. I will be replacing the plastic oil fittings..

Tomguy · #10 10-15-2009, 07:55 AM

I wouldn't. What I do is remove the cam cover, remove the plugs for all 8 injectors, remove the coil wire, and crank. I'd do similar to that. Not sure on the best way to "Disable" your injection shy of disconnecting the fuel pump though.

Wodnek · #11 10-15-2009, 06:51 PM

I havent done this on a MB, but my experience with AMC, Chevy, Ford, Dodge and Oldsmobile engines have been that running them with the valve cover off at idle speeds does not cause a fountain of oil. I wouldnt worry about it. Run it, and observe.

Disregard. I have been corrected!

Tomguy · #12 10-15-2009, 07:30 PM

The 4.5 WILL

It makes a mess just when cranking to test the cam oilers. I imagine IDLING it without valve covers on may pump enough oil to run the engine dry in a minute. All 8qts.

Wodnek · #13 10-15-2009, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tomguy

The 4.5 WILL

It makes a mess just when cranking to test the cam oilers. I imagine IDLING it without valve covers on may pump enough oil to run the engine dry in a minute. All 8qts.

Ok, noted. I will never again even suggest such a deed!

PanzerSD · #14 10-15-2009, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wodnek

I havent done this on a MB, but my experience with AMC, Chevy, Ford, Dodge and Oldsmobile engines have been that running them with the valve cover off at idle speeds does not cause a fountain of oil. I wouldnt worry about it. Run it, and observe.

Disregard. I have been corrected!

yeah, unlike the Chevy's and other domestic heads, there isn't a lip for a mating surface for the valve cover. It's machined flat so nothing to catch oil..

79Mercy · #15 10-15-2009, 08:10 PM

I started my M110 with out a valve cover and the timing chain threw out lots of oil, thats why i said he should lay down some towels if he decides to start it.