I just finished putting the cylinder head on my 89 190E 2.6L. She starts alright, then settles to idle. Then I hear the most horrifying sound of my life: a clearly audible noise from the bottom end. I call my friends over to take a look, not knowing what the noise is. there is oil pressure, as idicated by the dash guage, and we took the valve cover off to double check. It only happens once the engine is started, and worsens up the rpm range. When cranking it doesn't make the sound. It's not valve or lifter tap. It's not the rod bearing sound. The head was originally removed because the car was running very poorly. A new camshaft and rocker arms were put in. Full head job was done by a machine shop. Everything was torqued to specifications. The engine runs good with the exception of the noise. It sounds like a disel now, is the best way I can describe the noise. I don't know how else to describe it. If anyone has insight to the cause of this, it would be much appreciated. Just when I thought I was done with this car, it has me back against the ropes.

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1989 190E 2.6L-My current tormentor

I had a noise from the bottom end yesterday, too. Tracked it down to the mexican food I had for lunch. :badaboom: Remember to tip your waitress, smokefree shows at 7 each night.

But, seriously, wondering if something somehow got down into the crankcase/oilpan? I have the same engine so I am interested in how it turns out.

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1994 C280, dark green metallic
105k miles

1991 190E 2.6, Black
191,500 miles
(sold to another forum member)

2003 Chevy Tahoe LT, Redfire Metallic
105k miles

1989 Mustang GT Cobra Convertible
43k miles

I read it could be the ignition coil making that noise, but the sound isn't coming from anywhere near it. I'm going to unbolt the oil pan and go fishing with mechanical fingers and a magnet. Sometimes she dies after running for five minutes or so. Does the engine shut off if there is a blockage to the oil pump? The oil light has never illuminated.

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1989 190E 2.6L-My current tormentor

Sounding like a diesel could be the belt shock on the drive belt tensioner.

Re-check the camshaft timing (valves hitting pistons). Stupid question but did you reinstall the the chain tensioner properly? If not, the ratcheting action of the chain tensioner will cause the chain to be too tight which could cause noise, break chain guides, or ultimately snap the chain. Mark

Could you please elaborate? Is that the tensioner with the hex tip? I don't know what belt shock is. The timing is dead on, so I know it's not valves hitting pistons. I'm pretty sure the chain tensioner is on there good. There was no slack whatsoever in the chain. But I'll check that just incase. Thanks, guys.

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1989 190E 2.6L-My current tormentor