Strange starter noise right when engine starts - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

dieseldan44 · #1 12-03-2010, 06:58 PM

Hey all,

When starting first thing in the morning when I disengage the starter (let go of key after the engine starts) I have been starting to get a single metallic clang.

It sounds like a single pebble hits the bell housing.

No change in starting performance - and car starts great cold.

Is this some sort of tell tale sign of starter/solenoid problems?

dd

layback40 · #2 12-03-2010, 07:09 PM

Sounds like a problem with the gear on the end of the starter shaft. Maybe the wire ring that holds the stop has gone & the gear is pushing against the end of the starter body.
I would pull the starter & investigate before it fails big time.

dieseldan44 · #3 12-03-2010, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by layback40

Sounds like a problem with the gear on the end of the starter shaft. Maybe the wire ring that holds the stop has gone & the gear is pushing against the end of the starter body.
I would pull the starter & investigate before it fails big time.

Noooo...Those aren't the words I want to hear :-)

Anything to try before pulling the starter?

I think for starters (bad dum ching) I'll double check it's indeed coming from the starter area.

layback40 · #4 12-03-2010, 07:15 PM

sorry for the blunt honesty ! I was speaking from my own past experience.
Hope I am wrong with my prediction.

#5 12-03-2010, 07:18 PM

Check to make sure the bolts are tight, but if it's been on there awhile they probably are. Failing that, just replace the starter and do it before any damage is done to the ring gear. Changing the starter is no big deal, changing or turning around the ring gear WOULD be a big deal.

Hope this helps.

dieseldan44 · #6 12-03-2010, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LarryBible

Check to make sure the bolts are tight, but if it's been on there awhile they probably are. Failing that, just replace the starter and do it before any damage is done to the ring gear. Changing the starter is no big deal, changing or turning around the ring gear WOULD be a big deal.

Hope this helps.

OK, so what Im hearing from you guys is this is a known way for starters to fail?

When I open it up, how do I know if the ring gear is OK?

(Any good start R and R tips? I hear for the W123 its not fun)

#7 12-03-2010, 07:37 PM

To check the ring gear, simply look at it and see if the teeth are rounded off.

It's been a long time since I replaced a starter on a 617. I replaced many on 616's and it's an absolute piece of cake. On the five cylinder, however, if I remember correctly, there's something in the way that has to be removed. It's just one of those things you have to roll up your sleeves and dive into it. Whatever is in the way you will find out and remove it.

layback40 · #8 12-03-2010, 07:39 PM

Disconnect your battery, & the leads on the starter. 2 bolts with allen heads hold the starter. When you get it out, you can look in the hole & see the ring gear. The teeth will probably be worn on the edges. You can rotate the motor to inspect all the teeth, Any missing teeth is a worry.
A junk yard starter is probably the easiest solution.

dieseldan44 · #9 12-03-2010, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by layback40

Disconnect your battery, & the leads on the starter. 2 bolts with allen heads hold the starter. When you get it out, you can look in the hole & see the ring gear. The teeth will probably be worn on the edges. You can rotate the motor to inspect all the teeth, Any missing teeth is a worry.
A junk yard starter is probably the easiest solution.

Im reading in the archives about possibly removing the starter from above and removing a tie rod to allow easier removal...

I think I get it now, the starter isn't retracting fast enough and it gets in the way, hence the single metallic sound when the ring gear whacks the starter.

Any interim solution to this? Oil or grease in the right spot? Or just use minimally until I can take it and R&R?

BTW, if this thing is coming out, a Bosch reman is going back in :-)

Thanks guys, I love going from mystery sound to plan of attack within an hour

charmalu · #10 12-04-2010, 02:51 AM

I have removed the starter a few times, and it goes in and out from under the car. no need to drop a tierod. It will fit between tierods etc.... and is a tight fit.

To remove the starter bolts, I have a piece of 10mm hex bit 1 1/2 in long or so, I cut off an Allen wrench.I stick it in the starter bolt, put a long 10mm box wrench to loosen it, then use a 10mm gear wrench to remove.

The lower bolt is removed from undernieth, and the upper bolt from on top. worked for me.

I just put my transmission back in yesterday, so know what Iam talking about.

there is also a "L" bracket on the rear of the starter, that is bolted to the block. takes some of the weight off the starter bolts.

Charlie

vstech · #11 12-04-2010, 08:56 AM

hmmm is the L bracket on all 616/617 starters? I just pulled a starter from my 240 (much easier than a 300...) and it had no bracket.

babymog · #12 12-04-2010, 12:23 PM

Sounds like the overrun clutch in the starter is shot?

dieseldan44 · #13 12-04-2010, 12:43 PM

Is there anything I can do in the meantime to prevent any potential flywheel damage?

Stretch · #14 12-04-2010, 12:49 PM

If you are a bit worried about not being able to inspect the flywheel without removing the starter - you can actually see a lot of the flywheel by removing the little cover at the rear end of the upper oil pan and the bell housing (front bit of the gear box).

You are meant to remove this bit of metal to apply a flywheel lock if you need to stop the crank from turning - for whatever appropriate maintenance... but it would serve your purpose too.

dieseldan44 · #15 12-04-2010, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Army

If you are a bit worried about not being able to inspect the flywheel without removing the starter - you can actually see a lot of the flywheel by removing the little cover at the rear end of the upper oil pan and the bell housing (front bit of the gear box).

You are meant to remove this bit of metal to apply a flywheel lock if you need to stop the crank from turning - for whatever appropriate maintenance... but it would serve your purpose too.

Cool - thank you!

Starter is coming out as soon as I have a chance, and Ill inspect it then. I didnt know if there was some quick temporary fix I could do to make my starter not clank against the flywheel, thereby minimizing potential for damage.

Im ready for some starter R&R. One more week of grad school for the semster...