All..

Have a peculiar noise coming from my 85 300sd. It is definately coming from somewhere in the engine compartment or the engine itself. Its a ticking that sounds almost exactly like the noise a bb makes in a can of spraypaint when shaken.

The frequency of the tick is seems to be about synchronous with the turning of the crank. It is only audible at idle. Any thoughts/advice much appreciated.

this sound like it could be ur air filter housing, a good way to check it, is when ur car engine is nice and hot"at highway temp' pop the hood and put ur hand on the air filter housing, it could be something else though, just a though

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82' 300SD

It may be bearings in one of your belt-driven components, like the water pump or power steering pump. Check for play by grabbing each pulley (preferably with the engine off ) and see if you can make it move up and down or side to side. Even a slight amount of play indicates worn bearings. You could also get a mechanic's stethoscope to listen for the noise with the engine idling. It may be as simple as something rattling, like maybe part of the throttle linkage. Exhaust leaks can make a ticking or rattling sound, too. It's hard to diagnose noises without hearing them. Come to think of it, it's often hard to diagnose noises even when I do hear them!

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1982 300D, black w/ palomino leather, 203K
2001 E320, champagne, 105K (Mom's)
1999 Dodge Dakota, squeaky & battered, 142K

With the engine idleing, spray the belts with water, windex, something non-greasy. You might have a dry belt. It WILL sound like a bearing gone in a water pump.

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My Truck.. 2007 DODGE, 5.9 Cummins, 6spd stick, 4X4. My car..1977 240D, OTHER WHEELS...1955 VW Oval window bug, European Delivery (Holland) with a 1700cc, 2 barrel, Porsche drum brakes. 1939 WILLYS Pick-up. 1967 Triumph 200cc Tiger Cub. 1976 Honda 550F 4cyl Motor Cycle.

I have the same noise. It seems like it should be easy to locate the source but even with a stethsescope I can't. I've done valves, injectors, diesel purge, ect. The only thing that seems amiss is one injector line feels like it's vibrating harder than the others. It has no blowby, good milage and no oil burn,(309000mi).I think it's the injection pump. I've got a spare but am not sure how to change it.

Thanks All..

Air filter and throttle assembly are all tight. I thought that it might be belt related, will check out today. Thanks!

also could be the vac pump.

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.