SLK/R170 Cam adjuster.

[owenrich]

I have a "rattle" on my 2003 R170 when I increase revs from tickover and when decrease to tickover. This only occurs at initial increase ie 1000-1500revs and the same coming down. I thought it was the CAT rattling, but an independent Merc mechanic immediately on hearing the noise said it was the cam adjuster "kicking" in & out and was normal! Good news you would think, but I'm not sure as it seems quite loud and I don't remember hearing it on the two other SLK's I tried when buying. What do you think? I would, as usual, welcome any comments on this. The engine, a M111-958, runs & sounds smooth, so am I concerned about nothing? Cheers. Owen.

 

[television]

I do not think that the cam adjuster would make any noise, is there any way this could be the belt tensioner, you could unplug the adjuster to test

 

[Cole@MBS]

The CAM adjusters do make a noise on them lumps, not normally that bad tho!!

 

[5pares]

There was modified parts available a while back,expensive tho.Its just an annoying noise,nothing to worry about.

 

[owenrich]

Thanks guys, as usual it's great to get the opinion of others. I appreciate what you say and it would seem there is nothing to worry about, just need to wear ear plugs!! It's not that bad really, just the "new" car syndrome, any noise and you think it's going to fall apart!!! Thanks again. Owen.

 

[owenrich]

Me again! I've been trawling through past comments on the "cam rattle" subject. It seems there was an interesting solution put forward a couple of years ago. That was to pull the plug on the cam magnet and the noise stops as the magnet no longer does it's job! Apparently to achieve flexible torque at low speeds the cam magnet slightly alters the timming. This, ofcourse, is all above my head, but you can either have great engine torque at low speeds or "the rattle", but not both! Seems disconnecting the plug does no harm apart from, I would think, increasing petrol consumption, as the lower gears would get more use!! Mind you having just fitted a new cam magnet & starterline, I'm a bit miffed to find this out now! Once again any comments would be welcome. Owen.

 

[gio120m]

hi i read your posts.
then have you solved the problem of the noise of the camshaft adjuster? i have the same problem... in mb assistance they say that's not a problem...

but the noise bothers me and only stops if I detach the magnet