S320 Engine

[Benzowner]

On my S320, probably as the E320, the main crank pully has what appears to be a "rubber" packing piece just inside of the belt channel. It appears to be breaking up. Any ideas what this may be and can it cause long term problems.

 

[BlackC55]

Get it replaced NOW. Ive seen loads break up and rub into the front cover and sump and cause an oil leak. Don't drive it if at all possible.

What you are seeing is a rubber pulley damper breaking up. A complete pully is the only remedy.

If it does rub on the front cover etc it could prover very costly to fix. (engine out etc)

 

[Benzowner]

Didn't really want to hear that, luckily the car is under warranty. Thanks for the advice though.

 

[Benzowner]

Update & Warning to others

Drove my car to the local dealers for repair, and on the way the crank pully rubber totally disintegrated, put a hole in the sump damaged the V belt tensioner put oil on the V belts, all in all about £1500 worth. Luckily my car is under warranty but as BlackC55 has said the damage it can cause is unbeleivable so all you guys with V engines, keep an eye on the crank pully, if the rubber spilts get it replaced.

 

[BlackC55]

Sh1t...... I warned you not to drive it!!!!!

Ive repaired one of these before on an ML320 and its a pain in the **** to do. Very fiddly job.

I think the warranty is worth its weight in gold in this case.

Thanks for posting the result.

 

[Benzowner]

You did indeed warn me, but, at the time it was the only way to get the car to the dealer and it was only a 2 mile trip and it was also their suggestion, maybe a nice claim from MB Warranty for them.

 

[grober]

well documented fault esp in USA

see here
http://mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=26615&highlight=harmonic+balancer
and here
http://mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=14748&highlight=harmonic

some folks say it should have been the subject of a recall or required service inspection for potential failure.