Tapping noise from engine (Drivers side)

[hummer_76]

Hi All,

Firstly many thanks to the people who have helped me solve some of the problems my car has given me, namely the knocking problem form the front wheel....ball joints it was! now the car feels solid again....Bliss!

Right now for my next problem, and hopefully last (we can dream! ).

There is a tapping noice coming from the engine bay on the drivers side of the car, only when the car is idling, only in Drive gear (when put in neutral the noise tends to go away) but when the car idles at around 550-600 rpm the noise is there, very irritating as well. I have checked out the haynes manual on my model (sorry totaly forgot to mention the model W124 300CE 88' model 131k on the clock) it refers to this problem either being the water pump or alternator, now both are fairly costly parts, so i need some help if anyone else has encountered the same problem

I recently thad the tensioner pulley changed, and idler pulley changed also.

Help, this noise is irritating the C*** out of me!

Thanks

H

 

[Parrot of Doom]

Try starting the car when the engine is completely cold, but with the fanbelt removed. Don't do it for more than a minute though. That should rule out any noises from the front.

 

[television]

Parrots answer makes good sense.

malcolm

 

[Myros]

the D/N conundrum

points to something transmission oriented. Maybe an engine or tranny mount on the way out?
If the mounts haven't gone yet, they may be thinking of it.

 

[bibamus]

Is this a regular tapping or one that increases with engine speed? The Purge Control Valve ticks apparently, see here http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=14660&highlight=purge+control
There are other posts regarding a regular tapping, most seem to point to this.
Could be worth checking if you have one?
Allan

 

[hummer_76]

Right the weekend has come and gone too quickly!

Had the drive belt off to see it the tappin noise was on of the pulleys, and it wasnt! so back to square one....

its coming from around the transmission area, probably one of the mounts, as they have never been changed since i have had the car....(engine mounts changed 6 months ago)

Its down the mechanics at the moment, so hopefully once he changes the mounts, that it should be the end of the noise.....otherwise back on the forum...

Thanks again for the tips, as they are proving to save me money on relying on Indy Garage guessing!