Upon start up there is an intermittant noise that sounds like a ball bearing banging around in a metal can (very loud). The noise levels out as rpm increases, but is still there. I have parked the car.
I have removed the vacuum pump and on the top side of the roller bearing, at a specific location, the ball bearings drop out of view then come back up. Rotation of bearing is also rough. I have not yet (pending input) disassebled the vacumm pump.
Due to the weather in my outdoor garage I have not been able to measure the timing chain stretch.
82 240D 300,000+

Thank you,
Bernie

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1982 240D 313,000 (4 speed)
1984 300CD 172,483
1985 German Shepherd Dog -Lacey- R.I.P.11/04/05

Hood Stars, Wrist Crowns and Obsession Dobs

See Above

'Not a bad idea to check that chain for wear(Stretch) @ that milage,though.

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'84 300SD sold
124.128

I would find another ride until you are sure what is causing the sound. If the drive end of the Vacuum Pump falls apart and dumps into your Timing Gears/Chain all kinds of awful stuff can happen.
And, then there is the issue below:
New Vacuum Pump Ruined due to too much Timer Shaft End Play (the title from my notes).
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=258062&highlight=vacuum

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

take it from me....save money later by getting them both checked out now. I had my timing chain break a year or so back which destroyed the engine. After much studying and searching I found a replacement engine only to have its vacuum pump explode at highway speeds a few months after installation. (after replacing the vacuum pump, installing a new timing chain, and having to tweak some resultant injection issue,somehow that engine is back and purring like a kitten....knock on wood)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dseUEVVGsAw
I hope this will help!