E320 CDi engine noise

[merccdi]

Hi Everyone
I have now found out this is a known fault with the om613 engine-it makes an awful noise (rattle) when hot , under light load , between 1000-1500 rpm.
I took my car to merc,they said they had never heard this noise before ? after visiting other merc dealers-got the same answer,i was worried it go bang so in the end had a MB exchange engine fitted it was fine for a while now the same noise has come back.Now i've been told it's a known fault don't worry about it !!.Not at all happy several thousand pounds later i'am back to square one !.People in the street look to see whats making all the noise-if i wanted a car that sound like a MK3 cortina with a worn out camshaft i would have bought one.(shows my age abit )
any info would be appreciated
many thanks
dave
ps
good forum-keep it up

 

[OlafMaxwell]

You mean the loud sort of rattle/clicking sound? I have it since new, now 111k on it and the engine is fine. You hear it realyl well with the window open driving in narrow streets.

 

[Jonny2tanx]

E320cdi engine noise

I have a strange noise coming from my 320 cdi engine too. It appears to be coming from the front of the engine, somewhere between the turbo and the drive belts, but it doesnt happen all the time. Suffice to say, it was totally silent when I called into a Merc specialist the other day for them to have a listen, and it started up again yesterday. It's a sort of rattle/clciking noise but is completely random, i.e. its not in time with the engine revs. It also appears to disappear when the engine is revved up. Would this be the same type of noise that has been mentioned here? I too am afraid that something is going to go bang - I thought it was a bearing breaking up when I first heard it. Any re-assurance would be gratefully received.

 

[Dunhamkid]

I had similar noise, turned out to be the fan belt tensioner rattling. As it is attached to an aluminium casting, the sound is amplified and travels so you think it is coming from somewhere else. I initially thought it was the A/C compressor

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

Durhamkid,
Did you replace the belt tensioner, I have a similar noise and without investigating it (due to the cold weather) I had decided that was the probable cause.

Is it much of a job.

 

[Dunhamkid]

Yes. I also changed the belt for a Mercedes belt. I had previously fitted a new belt from ***, after 2 weeks the rattle started. Changed tensioner and noticed that Merc belt and *** belt were different sizes although the same manufacturer. Assumed the wrong sized belt caused problems with the tensioner

With regards to fitting, need to remove radiator cowl and fan. Also need small hands!! Whilst you are at it check for fuel leaks from end fittings of fuel line from lift pump to stop valve. The line runs under the HP pump. Easy and cheap to replace once fan etc is removed

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

Thanks Durhamkid,
I'll add it to my to do list for the summer, along with the spacers to separate the engine undertray from the front crossmember.