Guys - my 1981 300SD. Trying to put in a video for first time. I hear the normal diesel engine noise but what is the other metal, clattering noise? It is really loud - can be heard with the hood down from several feet away.

Am I about to lose the water pump? Will be interesting to see if this video from Photobucket works.

sounds like a water pump bearing failure to me. maybe try running it without the water pump belts briefly to confirm if the noise goes away

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Current fleet
2006 E320 CDI
1992 300D - 5speed manual swapped

former members
1984 300D "Blues Mobile"

1978 300CD "El Toro"

Check the screws/bolts that hold the crank pulleys in place and the harmonic balancer bolt for tightness. If not tight, the movement will damage the end of the crankshaft. Let us know!!!

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"Rudeness is a weak man's imitation of strength" - Eric Hoffer

Roger, WILCO. Can someone tell me how to locate the harmonic balancer? Not something I have fooled with in the past.

Thanks for the recs.

its on the crankshaft at the front of the engine. the crankshaft pulley(s) attach to it.

Bing & Google have great photos in the 'images' section

Will check. Thx.