I have read the posts on this site for a while, but now I can use some help.

My 1987 300D Turbo, with the 6 cly. has just been released from the shop after having the rear trunk floor and qtr panel replaced after being rear ended about a month ago.

Drove car from accident to shop, other then shifter being out of alignment, noticed no mechanical problems.

Today, I pick it up, and there is a noise coming from the engine, sounds like from the center of the head. Not like a regular lifter noise, not a click, or tap.

Drove car to the office, noise did not seem to get better or worse. (thought maybe oil circulation may make it go away).
Also notice lack of power.

I am thinking it is related to the accident, but can not figure out why it would not have done it on the way to the shop? Any suggestions?

I LOVE this car, but am active duty NAVY, so do not have lots of $$ to spend. Would really appreciate any help.

Craig Amos

Craig,

First of all, thank you for your service to America. I am a proud veteran of the US Army, 1968-1971.

Noises are always difficult to help with, unless you can hear them. I'm sure you've checked the vital fluids already.

Was it in the shop very long and how long was the drive home? It takes about 17 miles for an engine to reach normal operating temperature. If it sat up at the shop a long time, and didn't go far enough to thoroughly warm up, maybe it just needs the oil to warm up and circulate some. It would be worth while to have someone familiar with the breed to listen to it.

Best of luck with it,

Craig:

Sounds just like mine!

Can you describe the sound a little more? A loud "snap", or more like a brass hammer on the block?

Do you have power loss at all speeds and loads, or just at idle/low speed?

Any vibrations? Shake at idle, rumble at speed?

Mine is doing the following: hard shake at idle, much worse with A/C on. Low power on takeoff, but normal power when the turbo comes up. Loud "snap" -- injector knock -- at idle.

Recently, after an oil change (to Mobil 1) and a 200 mile trip, the idle smooths out intermittantly, the shake is much less, and the noise is intermittant rather than constant.

Compression is low, but above wear limit, lowest on #4 (the cylinder with the knock).

You can check for injector knock by loosening the cap nut on the injector line at the injector with a 14mm wrench -- noise will stop if the injector is knocking, since it won't be injecting with the nut loose. Stopping a good injector like this will cause the engine to shake more. Stopping a bad one will make less difference.

__________________
1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!

Thanks for the hints, I guess I just needed the encouragement to dig a little deeper. What I found was the magnesium (?) mount between the block and the port side motor mount was cracked.

The noise came as the vibration of the engine on the mount was amplified across the side of the block (go figure). I have dropped it off with West Florida Paint and Body, and they are changing the mount. I'll give another update once I get it back.

Thanks,

Craig Amos

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Craig:

Explains the displaced shifter, too, eh?

Check for driveshaft vibrations, too, at high speed, grinding noises from the center bearing, and the rear motor/transmission mount -- sounds like the drivetrain got a jolt, too.

Beautiful car -- I love mine, shaking and all!

Peter

__________________
1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!

Got it back from West Florida Paint & Body on Friday.

They changed the mount with no hasstle, and the
car sounds normal again! They are the authorized
local collision repair shop, and I can not say enough
good things about these folks!

I have a little rattle at idle, in gear, but I think it is
just the plastic body pan under the car, will mess with
it next time I have it up on ramps.

Thanks for your help, and OBTW, PSFRED I'll probably
take your advise and change to synthetic myself, I plan
on driving this one for a good while.

Craig W. Amos
1987 300D Turbo

Pics at: http://gallery.mbnz.org/gallery/showlink.asp?CatID=158&parentID=35&subname=Craig_Amos_1987_300D_Turbo&parentname=W124_E,CE,D,TD_Class

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