C180 w203 Engine Rattle

[c180081c]

Hi Guys,

My car 2002 c180 automatic petrol has a strange rattle from the front of the engine it sounds like, Goes away as soon as you accelerate and can only be replicated at idle? Engine is sweet when driving and changes up and down sweet as a nut. Getting worried, any insights appreciated.

Best way to describe is it has the classic sort of diesel noise at idle.

 

[c180081c]

Am I right in thinking that if it was the timing chain you would hear it all the way up the rev range? hopefully not life threatening this

 

[c180081c]

Help!

 

[kth286]

Is that the dreaded 271 engine ?

I admit to knowing very little about your generation of car, but do a search of the forums for 271 timing chain and gear issues.

It is a serious issue.

 

[c180081c]

Is that the dreaded 271 engine ?

I admit to knowing very little about your generation of car, but do a search of the forums for 271 timing chain and gear issues.

It is a serious issue.

No I belive mine is the M111 2.0 litre with the white rocker cover as opposed to the black rocker of the m271. (Please tell me if i am wrong)

 

[kth286]

the engine number will be in the documentation.

if 111 then perhaps the cam advance mechanism at front top of engine.

if engine has a cover over front remove it.

put a wood length or screw driver against it, and to your ear and get some one to rev engine to see if noise 'comes and goes'.

the electric plug can be disconnected to eliminate it and noise likely to disappear, but a fault code will show up.

the fault code should go away when you reconnect plug after your test drive.

 

[c180081c]

the engine number will be in the documentation.

if 111 then perhaps the cam advance mechanism at front top of engine.

if engine has a cover over front remove it.

put a wood length or screw driver against it, and to your ear and get some one to rev engine to see if noise 'comes and goes'.

the electric plug can be disconnected to eliminate it and noise likely to disappear, but a fault code will show up.

the fault code should go away when you reconnect plug after your test drive.

That sounds like exactly where the noise is coming from now ive listened to it properly, Is it expensive to fix or just something you have to live with? The engine is 100% the m111. Is the Plug obvious when the cover is removed?

Thanks for the detailed info, Some pressure has been released for the time being at least.

Noise appears to dissapear after 1500 revs.

 

[c180081c]

Literally that confused Im not even sure im on this planet anymore. Please can someone look at the video I took of the car tonight and hazard a guess at whats going on?

Thanks for all insights in advance

C180 Rattle. - YouTube

 

[Dieselman]

Probably the belt tensioner damper bushes are worn. Press on the damper and see if the noise stops.

 

[c180081c]

Probably the belt tensioner damper bushes are worn. Press on the damper and see if the noise stops.

Sorry if im being numb but what am I looking for? The noise appears to be under the rocker cover.

 

[c180081c]

Probably the belt tensioner damper bushes are worn. Press on the damper and see if the noise stops.

This was the cause, the shock absorber rubber had perished that connects to the belt tensioner and was rattling on the block and resonating through the rocker cover. Now fixed

Thanks for all the help guys

 

[pix89]

video is unavailable, you can send send it again? Can you send a photo of damaged parts? the sound is like on this film > http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxdsVoBahhc

 

[BlackC55]

It will be the camshaft advance. Very common issue.

 

[M271]

I agree

 

[A1EK]

video is unavailable, you can send send it again? Can you send a photo of damaged parts? the sound is like on this film > Mercedes W203 C180 Motor Geräusch Klackern - YouTube

I have this sound also on my wifes c class, can anyone explain more about what causes the noise and how to fix it? is the noise in the video the cam shaft advance ?

Thank in advance

 

[markjay]

I am unable to listen to the sound right now, but M271 engines are generally prone to timing chain issues that can occur any time from around 80k miles and upwards, so try to see if this sounds like a metalic rattle from the frond end of the engine that goes up with rpm.