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Engine, Exhaust, Transmission and DifferentialPost questions here that have to do with the engine, cooling system, air intake, exhaust, Transmission and Differential
I'm hoping someone can tell me what might have happened to my engine to determine if it's worth trying to have fixed.
It started with a tapping sound, which transformed into a loud knocking. It seemed to be coming from the large wheel in the center that has the four bolts with nuts. The next thing I saw smoke and you can see that oil has spewed from the engine and is resting in the pan at the bottom and elsewhere.
That is the water pump, common failure item as the car ages. Just above it is the idler pulley, I change the idler pulley and belt every 30,000 miles or so - the pulley is around $18 and if they fail at speed, they can take out the radiator and do other damage - seems way easier to just change it frequently
As to that amount of oil, I would think an inspection will tell you where it is coming from. We often have breather/valve cover leaks, but they dont product THAT amount of oil
Are you sure that is oil? If the water pump tanked, it'll spill/leak antifreeze all over the place. Also, check your oil filter housing, is that leaking oil? If someone didn't put the top "O" ring in the correct 'groove', it may be a source of an oil leak. Let us know if: a) Is that oil your referring to?, and b) If that is oil & is it leaking from the oil filter cap? Good luck!
I wiped the areas that were once wet and came back with what appears to be oil. That being said, I was thinking about starting it and letting it get hot enough to spew again to give it an immediate check. Do you think this is advisable? The knocking noise is disturbing.
I wiped the areas that were once wet and came back with what appears to be oil. That being said, I was thinking about starting it and letting it get hot enough to spew again to give it an immediate check. Do you think this is advisable? The knocking noise is disturbing.
Thanks again for your input!
Brad
First, I would release the tension on the accessory belt and see if there is any play in the water pump (your 4 bolt pully you mentioned in your OP). If it is tight with no lateral play/movement check the other pullies/accessories for any play in those shafts/bearings. After that preliminary look, reinstall the belt and run the motor at idle and see if you can source the leak. I shouldn't have to say this BUT make sure you do not get too close to the moving parts as getting wrapped around something may cost some fingers as a minimum.. Come back and let us know if you still have all your digits (and what you did or didn't find @ anything loose or leaking).
I wiped the areas that were once wet and came back with what appears to be oil. That being said, I was thinking about starting it and letting it get hot enough to spew again to give it an immediate check. Do you think this is advisable? The knocking noise is disturbing.
Thanks again for your input!
Brad
Finally remembered how to log back in and after letting it sit for six months or more, I towed it in, and they replaced the water pump as you all suggested! They replaced the battery then I left the dome lights on and now even with a jump it won't turn over. What fun this one has been! Thanks again for all the help!
Did you check all of the battery connections for corrosion and cleanliness? Did you install a NEW, fully charged battery? If both of those are good, I would replace the RCM.
I'm hoping that this will sound familiar to someone. I just replaced a new battery with a newer battery, but the car won't start. Here's what happens:
1. Try to start the car three times
2. It turns over, but does not continue to run
3. The 4th and all subsequent times I try, the starter does nothing - and no sounds are audible
4. The console lights up, but nothing happens
Any insight from you experts is greatly appreciated!
Brad
Last edited by bbrisken; Sep 25, 2024 at 02:16 PM.
Brad, Turn the headlights on, disconnect the negative cable from the cars battery. Wait about two minutes then reconnect the battery and turn the headlights off. (The head lights are turned on to help prevent damage to electrical modules as it will temper the electric surge/spike when the cable is reconnected)
Try starting the car again. If you go through the sequence of car turning over trying to start then shut off twice and on the third attempt to start nothing as you experienced in your post #14 above.
Your SKREEM is not working properly. You can get it repaired from Needswings or Mercedes Swap Shop.
Engine Problem Identification
Are you sure that is oil? If the water pump tanked, it'll spill/leak antifreeze all over the place. Also, check your oil filter housing, is that leaking oil? If someone didn't put the top "O" ring in the correct 'groove', it may be a source of an oil leak. Let us know if: a) Is that oil your referring to?, and b) If that is oil & is it leaking from the oil filter cap? Good luck! 
