99 c250 clattering on start up

[Ad777]

Hi all, have had a few months trouble free driving..long may it continue!
When first starting the car in the morning, it always sounds like a bag of nails for about a minute, then settles down for the rest of the day. Is this common?
I am also having an issue with a sticky front wiper blade. Have replaced with a new good quality one, cleaned the glass, but still catches/sticks, even when raining.
Any suggestions appreciated!

 

[CowleyStJames]

Oil changed recently?
Could be timing chain or tensioner.
Both can be changed with engine in car but examine sprockets, and if worn , you'd probably want to change all three sprockets as well.
One sprocket is impossible to do with engine in car, so engine out

 

[Ad777]

Thanks for that...I have only done 100,000 miles, and it has been well looked after with servicing. Are they prone to going? What type of oil would you suggest? I have just been using motor factor oil last couple of changes, so probably not the best!

 

[mattkh]

..... I have just been using motor factor oil last couple of changes,

Which one did you use 5w30 or 5w40?
As regards the wiper, position it away from the screen, turn the wipers ON, and observe the movement. Is it still jerking?

 

[Blobcat]

Sticky front wiper blade is as likely as not the mechanism requiring lubrication. It's a clever system the single wiper but it does require lube under the black clam-shell cover

 

[Doug1234]

Most likely got some air in the fuel lines .
The plastic fuel lines have o rings that can perish and let air in which will cause clatter.
Firstly though just keep the fuel tank at least more than half full as these have saddle tanks and can run out of fuel below half full.
Bad glow plug or two will make hell of a noise until relevant cylinder has warmed up a bit, but normally the glow light comes back on after start up to notify a problem.

 

[ajlsl600]

Have someone verify its not chain noise .that can get very expensive.go from there.

 

[Ad777]

Which one did you use 5w30 or 5w40?
As regards the wiper, position it away from the screen, turn the wipers ON, and observe the movement. Is it still jerking?

I have used 5/30, both times? Just tried the wiper off the scrèen, it is not jerking, but making a loud squeaking noise, which I thought was the rubber on the windscreen!

 

[Ad777]

Sticky front wiper blade is as likely as not the mechanism requiring lubrication. It's a clever system the single wiper but it does require lube under the black clam-shell cover

Can you advise how to remove black cover, and best lube to use? Looks like the culprit! Ta

 

[Ad777]

Most likely got some air in the fuel lines .
The plastic fuel lines have o rings that can perish and let air in which will cause clatter.
Firstly though just keep the fuel tank at least more than half full as these have saddle tanks and can run out of fuel below half full.
Bad glow plug or two will make hell of a noise until relevant cylinder has warmed up a bit, but normally the glow light comes back on after start up to notify a problem.

Have had starting issues since got the car..changed all pipes and o rings, injector flexi pipes, o ring in pre filter etc. Keep it 3/4 full...still doesn't start in morning for ages if pointing uphill..so just park nose down! But air still in system for sure . Still got to replace flexi fuel pipe, and gasket behind pre heater? All I can think of. Glow plugs good...could air at initial start up cause that clatter?

 

[Ad777]

Have someone verify its not chain noise .that can get very expensive.go from there.

I will certainly investigate, thank you.

 

[Doug1234]

This is air in fuel clatter

Do check your belt tensioner shock , this video shows it clearer than others .. just press on it with your thumb hard

 

[Ad777]

It's identical to the first one! Uneven tick over and clatter, then levels of and is quiet and even for the rest of the day. How does air do that..is it something to do with injectors?

 

[Blobcat]

Can you advise how to remove black cover, and best lube to use? Looks like the culprit! Ta

You should be able to unclip the bottom of it. There is a guide in the DIY section although the pictures have died

 

[Ad777]

I have just tracked it down, and there was a link in it to one with pictures! Cheers, Appreciated.

 

[Doug1234]

Injector is only putting half the amount of fuel it should or less in cylinder because of the air bubbles in the fuel and this affects the firing, similar to pinking in a petrol engine
So you still have a minute leak somewhere which either lets fuel leak out or air get in which lets the fuel run back to the tank.

 

[Ad777]

Pinkering is just what it reminded me of.
Thanks for the help and explanation..I will get to the bottom of the air draw one day! Cheers and thanks again.