rattle on startup

[bouncer]

Only had my 1997 C200 sport for a couple of months now. I have noticed. . . . only on a couple of occasions there is a rattle at start up, nothing at normal tickover. is this something to worry about ?

 

[Ellsy Tanners]

Hi there,
This is normally from the camshaft adjuster gear which emptys of oil while the engine is off and takes a few seconds to fill again when started.
I wouldnt worry to much but, if you start to here it when blip the throtle slighty on idle (this actuates the adjuster) then its time to get it replaced.

 

[bouncer]

Thanks for that,
it doesent do it all the time, just now and again. I will have a go at blipin the throtle to see if i can hear anything.
Is it expensive to change?

 

[Ellsy Tanners]

I think it might work out quite pricey unfortunatly. I belive the part alone is about £200 and it takes about 3 hours to change and is fairly hard to do if its your first.
Get a qoute to have one fitted, if you think you can hear it when you blip the throttle.

It might not be that, but they are a comman cause of rattling on cold start up. Any one with a expirenced ear should be able to say when listing to it.

 

[Ron Palfrey]

My C280 rattles on start-up occasionally. For example when it's been left for a week or so in my garage. As long as it doesn't do it two days running I don't worry. When the car is left for any length of time the oil drains away and takes a couple of seconds to pump to the top of the engine on start-up.
Use quality oil and genuine Merc filters, and carry out your servicing regularly as per the schedule and you should be OK. I assume you have fsh?

 

[bouncer]

Thanks for the info guys,
I've only had the car for a couple of months, and the history is patchy, think i will have a service done anyway. I will see if it improves with new oil and filters.
I cant hear the rattle when i blip the throttle, it sound sweet. it has that almost electric motor wiring sound, nice and smooth.
If it needs doing it needs doing. I love this car.