Rattle

[John Sweeney]

Hello there! I have owned my 1988 190E 2.0 (M102) Automatic for some time, and have become increasingly aware of a persistent rattle, which appears to be coming from the top of the engine. The car has a duplex timing chain, has covered just under 119,000 gentle miles, and has a good service history (6000 mile oil changes etc.). The rattle occurs only when under load, and only then when above 2000 rpm. However, it is also (sometimes) evident at idle when in drive. Complicating matters (sigh!) is another noise, sort of like a growl, when moving away from rest in drive (second gear), or when in drive with one's foot on the brake. Is this normal? I hope that someone might have some advice for me, since the car is fantastic in every other way. Many thanks. John (this is my first post - yay!). :bannana:

 

[aka$h]

Checked the engin damper?
Had a similar problem on my w124, once removed the thing was so hard you couldnt move it by standing on it.

 

[John Sweeney]

Thanks, but they were recently replaced. I don't think they're the answer! My mechanic thinks it might be the water pump - is this likely? John.