Weird engine noise on W140 M119 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 12-27-2004, 03:56 PM

Hi all,

Noticed a strange noise this morning after driving for about 50 miles on my 94 S500 (didn't have it last night). The best way to describe it is it sounds like a diesel engine, more pronounced on the left side (ticking and tapping). I know its scarce, but what can I be looking at? The oil pressure is fine (3 while moving and 1 at idle), the power is fine (or looks that way). What can I be looking at here, potentially?

400E · #2 12-27-2004, 09:26 PM

How many miles on the engine? What type of oil are you using, and how many miles since it was changed?

Might do a search on "oil tubes" as there is a good deal of info on a common problem on the M119 engine you and I have. There are tubes which direct oil to the valve train, and if the end plugs come out, new ticking noises will be heard. It's an easy fix.

#3 12-27-2004, 09:52 PM

110K miles. Mobil1 synthetic 5w30 oil, last changed 4k miles ago. I was thinking about the tubes myself, but the noise seems a bit too loud for me.

JimF · #4 12-27-2004, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arthur2k

Noticed a strange noise this morning after driving for about 50 miles on my 94 S500 (didn't have it last night). The best way to describe it is it sounds like a diesel engine, more pronounced on the left side (ticking and tapping).

Check out my page, Menu#19. If it's the 'tubes', it an easy fix although it does take some time. But the 'dieseling' noise is not a symptom of open tubes; not sure what it might be. But ticking and tapping surely is!

400E · #5 12-28-2004, 12:02 AM

Although I can't say for sure it's related, I do know that MB has NOT approved Mobil 1 5w-30 for use in its engines. It's possible that it has gotten diluted over the last 4k miles and that's why the noise.

If it were me, I'd start by switching to Mobil 1 15w-50 or 0w-40, both approved viscosities, and see what happens.

SteveUrban · #6 12-28-2004, 11:14 AM

If your oil pressure is at 1 at idle, then you most likely have a popped tube. I just finished replacing mine on the S500. The torque on the cam caps is 89 inch pounds. Also, if you replace the top slide rails, make sure that you order all 3 pieces. Torque for the slide rails is 80 inch pounds. Valve cover torque is also 80i.p..

Cheers,
Steve

#7 12-29-2004, 12:42 AM

Thank you all for response, Jim and Steve especially, going to take off the valve covers this weekend and look at the oil tubes. Will report back.

BAd124 · #8 01-01-2005, 01:39 PM

Arthur,
This sounds like a harmonic balancer issue. Do a search and you will find allot of info. Should be covered under warranty, take care ASAP because if this is the case you can have a severely damaged engine in a hurry.

400E · #9 01-01-2005, 02:27 PM

I'm not aware of a harmonic balancer problem on the M119 engine. Isn't that more of an issue with the M113 engine?

BAd124 · #10 01-01-2005, 11:10 PM

Hey i think you are right. Its the M113 v-8 that has the harmonic issues, I knew it was a v-8 but it wasnt until later. OOoppss

BenzRepair · #11 01-03-2005, 06:06 PM

While you have your valve covers removed, make sure to check your timing, and MOST IMPORTANTLY, check your upper front chain rails to the inside of both cams; they have a tendency to shatter and make a vaguely similar noise sometimes as the chain rubs directly on the metal rail pin. Regardless, this is a potentially serious problem on these engines as well as others, and should be checked.

A. Rosich · #12 01-03-2005, 08:57 PM

Going back to the oil issue, the local M.B. dealer uses either Castrol or Mobil 1. When they use Mobil 1, they put 20W-40 as the shop manager says 5W-30 is too light weight and can produce unwanted engine noises.

You have to also account that we have a tropical climate with temperatures ranging from 65 to 90, 50 being a very unsual low (year round), so 20W-40 works fine for us.

zeronero · #13 01-04-2005, 03:46 AM

I always have put 20W-50 in my car. It's rather thick and works well here in California, but the weather is always the same for the most part.

Rochester1 · #14 01-07-2005, 07:50 PM

I have the same lifter/tic noise on my s500 on the passenger side. I was talking to a mercedes-only mechanic, and he told me.... at minimum-that the cam would have to be polished if not replaced in addition to replacing the tubes and some valves++. He said the that the damage is done.
I am pretty mechanical but do not really have the time to do the work in addition to it being 20 degrees in my NY garage. I feel this guy knows a lot more then me when it comes to mercedes but I hat to replace something that may not need to be....Need more input.

JimF · #15 01-07-2005, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rochester1

I have the same lifter/tic noise on my s500 on the passenger side. I was talking to a mercedes-only mechanic, and he told me.... at minimum-that the cam would have to be polished if not replaced in addition to replacing the tubes and some valves++. He said the that the damage is done.

. . damage and maybe not. Before I would tear it down, I'd certainly recommend that you try an 'additive' to see if it goes away.

I did that for my car ('94 S500 cpe) and it worked just fine. Had a tick-tick intermittantly for about 8 - 9 months AFTER I replaced two (2) bad oil tubes. Check out my Menu#19 on my web site.

So it was fixed permantly by doing this: just before a 3k miles oil change, added a quart of "engine flush". Don't remember the name but I ran to car at high idle (1000rpm) for almost 30 minutes until the tick-tick stopped. Then changed the oil. Usually use Castol 20W-50 oil.

After that I added one bottle of Auto-RX and did the recommended 800 mile 'clean' phase. Drained it and the tick-tick has been gone for some for about one year! The car runs absolutely great. Auto-RX is NOT SNAKE -OIL. Check it out for yourself: http://www.auto-rx.com/

I used Slick 50, Prolong and another I can't think of. It's my considered opinion that these additives actually plug oil passages and result in this tick-tick problem. It's been proved that they do!

So check it out for yourself.

BTW, I see that you are in Rochester, NY, my home town! Left for San Diego about 36 years ago, and have NEVER been back even once. Had lots of fun in that city. Can honestly say I don't miss the snow.