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  #1  
Old 02-18-2006, 01:51 AM
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"VVVVRRRR" sound on first AM startup until oil pressure needle reaches "3".

I am not sure if it is cause for concerns, but when I start my car for the first time for the day, about a second after it starts, there is this brief "VVVVRRRR" sound from the engine compartment. This sound is not easy to explain, but "VVVVRRRR" is the best way I can explain it. It is sort of like a sander, or a saw cutting tin.

It seems to stop when the oil pressure needle reaches "3", which is almost instantly (at least within a second). I do not recall it doing this before I put on the new oil filter, but it may have. I am not sure what it is. Power steering pump, tensioner? My air pump is disconnected, so its not that.

It does not do it at any other startup, other than the first one. Also- there is no chain rattles from the engine.

Any opinions?

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Old 02-18-2006, 02:06 AM
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Engine clatter until the oil gets up there?
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  #3  
Old 02-18-2006, 02:20 AM
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No, not really. It has a slight clatter at all times- no matter where the pressure is, but not any worse when it is first started. Actually, it may be even quieter at that time.

Thanks.

Wow, its late... time for some Z's

Until tomorrow.
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Old 02-18-2006, 08:38 AM
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How many miles since your last timing chain, guide rail and tensioner replacement?
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Old 02-18-2006, 09:26 AM
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Has it always done this?

I've noticed that all 3 of my Mercedes play a brief symphony at startup -- each one is unique!
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Old 02-18-2006, 12:47 PM
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I've heard the sound you are speaking of..I beleive it to be the tensioner building up pressure.

Let me/us know when the last time you did your chain/rails/tensioner. Did you use a Genuine tensioner or A.Market?
The last car that came in doing this I didn't feel comfortable w/ the noise so we swapped out the AM tensioner w/ a genuine..No more noise

Jonathan
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Old 02-18-2006, 02:24 PM
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Thanks for the replies.

Well, who knows when the chain/tensioner was replaced? There were NO records with the car when I bought it. The guy I bought it from had owned it for 5 years and put 64,000 miles on it. Before that, the original owned had owned it (from late 1984 until early 2000) and had put 201K on it. Since they traded it in at a new car dealership (Mercedes) the lot then auctioned the car off- which is where the guy I had bought it from had bought it, so I do not even know who the original owners were. The car appears to have been well kept by the original owner, but the guy I bought it from had neglected it, at least it seems, as he said all he had done was changed the fuel pump within the 5 years he owned it. He had no idea when the chain/tensioner had been replaced.

The chain does not rattle, but it does have some lifter chatter on the passenger side- perhaps a worn out cam? It does have nearly 265K now.

Thanks again!
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Old 02-18-2006, 07:42 PM
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Could it also be the oil pump, or perhaps the power steering pump?

I heard that sound -- a type of groan -- for the past few days. Turns out it was the PS pump sucking air because a hose was loose, and then slipped off today.

I reattached the hose and have not heard the groan, but will know for sure tomorrow morning after a cold start.
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Old 02-19-2006, 08:38 AM
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Quote:
the best way I can explain it. It is sort of like a sander, or a saw cutting tin.
The "saw cutting tin" sound would lead me to believe that the chain tensioner is on the way out. However, with no indication of when the chain/rails/tensioner were last replaced (these are replaced on these engines approx. every 100K depending on how religiously the oil changes are performed) you should remove the valve covers and check the chain stretch and the condition of the rails. Broken chains/rails usually cost big $$$$ to repair and could exceed the value of the car. Mark
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Old 02-19-2006, 09:01 AM
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That is marvelous news.

I am hoping that it is the PS pump as someone above stated, because it was "growling" when I first got it (until it warmed up). The level was low and when I brought it up to level it stopped. Seems it leaks when the front of the car is parked uphill, so I started parking it level and no leaks now. Perhaps a hose is loose there?

I may go ahead and soon pull the valve covers. One is leaking a bit anyway. Can only one be removed to check the chain stretch? Also- I do not recall that sound before I changed the oil after I got it. I am hoping that another possibility is that "cheap" oil filter may have something to do with it. I am planning on changing the oil again soon and using a MB filter.

Thanks again
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Old 02-19-2006, 10:22 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 86560SEL
That is marvelous news.

I am hoping that it is the PS pump as someone above stated, because it was "growling" when I first got it (until it warmed up). The level was low and when I brought it up to level it stopped. Seems it leaks when the front of the car is parked uphill, so I started parking it level and no leaks now. Perhaps a hose is loose there?
Check the PS fluid after starting, or running for a while. If it looks frothy at the top or generally aerated, then air is being sucked in.
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  #12  
Old 02-19-2006, 10:25 AM
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Also, if it does seem you have a loose PS hose, tighten it quickly.

I was lucky that mine chose to slide off when I was preparing to back out of my parking space. Had it instead done so when I was driving quickly on a twisty, two-lane road with lots of traffic, the results would have likely been tragic.
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  #13  
Old 02-19-2006, 12:45 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hookedon210s
The "saw cutting tin" sound would lead me to believe that the chain tensioner is on the way out.
This sound may be the chain rubbing on the cam cover! I bought a few used to repolish and I found a grooves there. If the covers are installed properly (with gaskets), this should NOT happen unless the chain is loose and is flying above the gear! The covers on my car do not have this groove.
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Old 02-19-2006, 01:16 PM
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This sound may be the chain rubbing on the cam cover!
That's what I was concerned about and why I urged 86560SEL to check it out before it was too late. Mark
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  #15  
Old 02-20-2006, 01:56 AM
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Thanks. I guess another way is to check the PS hoses and make sure it is not that pump. Also, may be a good idea to raise the hood and let someone listen closely when I first start it. As mentioned, it only does it for about a second on the first startup of the day. Also- it has to be below 40*F before it does it. Also- I will change the oil and put on a MB filter ASAP and see if that helps. As mentioned, I do not recall it doing it before.

I am not really up to paying $600 for a chain/tensioner replacement. $900. if I have the rails and guides changed too. I only paid $1000. for the entire car. Also- what would happen if I paid all of this $$$ out for a new chain/tensioner/rails and something else happens to the engine? Money wasted.

Its definitely not a show car (just a daily driver) and I do not want to put much money in it. For $1000 car, - if it breaks, well then I guess I will call the salvage yard and have the car crushed or part it out. When I was considering a MB seeking advice here, I do not recall the timing chains being such an issue - now that I have done some searching on "chains" it seems to be a major concern. I do not see why it is such a costly replacement.

I do not think it is the chain hitting the covers- it has more of a high pitched sound, but I could be wrong. I have been before.

Thanks again! I will check all of the suggested actions.

Bedtime.... zzzzzzzz

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