W201 Noisy Engine

[Ampstar]

Well, sort of. Sounds like it is coming from the pullies and guides for the belt at the front of the engine.

Engine performs well, burns no oil, still getting decent mpg, etc., etc., but the noise from the belt/pullies drowns out the engine noise.

Help!

 

[Stevie A]

What kind of noise is it? Could be a worn bearing on a component, slipping belt etc. Worse could be that the noise is coming from the timing chain area. I would get on my hands and knees if necessary and figure out exactly what is going on and where the noise is coming from. Rev engine in neutral with a friend to help and listen. Switch off engine and try rocking all pulleys to see if there is play on any component bearing.

 

[42847]

pulley noise

my w202 had similar noise at 60k and again at 142k it was a pulley tensioner and shock absorber for the tensioner

 

[Ampstar]

Sorted!!!

I found a receipt in the service history to show that the car and engine bay were steam cleaned the day before I bought it.

It then dawned on me that this may have removed some grease from the pulley wheels (motorcyclists will know never to point a jetwash at wheel hubs for exactly the same reason). A (very) quick squirt of WD40 behind each pulley wheel and the alternator, and the engine runs as quiet as I have ever heard an engine run. Makes it even better to drive.

Now all I have to do is force some copperslip grease onto each pulleywheel. Anyone know how I can do that?

Just goes to show that steam cleaning does have it's downsides

 

[tom7035]

I personally think it was just your drivebelt making the noise and your squirt of WD40 (not really recommended on a drive belt!) has temporarily quietened it. If/when the noise returns I'd replace the belt.

 

[television]

I think that I would slip off the belt and oil the idler wheel, its the only one that can be oiled, then wipe off the surplus and refit the belt. but I would do it now.

malcolm

 

[Ampstar]

I think that I would slip off the belt and oil the idler wheel, its the only one that can be oiled, then wipe off the surplus and refit the belt. but I would do it now.

malcolm

Excuse my ignorance, but which one is the idler wheel? My car has air con, and I do not have a service manual, an no diagram of the pulley and belt positions. So have no idea which one the idler is, nor where it is positioned?

I will get a new belt tomorrow though.

Thanks

 

[tom7035]

No. 1, picture on the right.

 

[Stevie A]

Make sure to get a Haynes manual as it gives good instructions on how to set the tension on the belt.