Ticking only at warm idle

So after more home testing with no real finding, I broke down and took the van to get “diagnosed” at the local MB dealer who actually does a lot of fleet vehicle maintenance. They looked over everything, tested injector pressures, ran diagnostics and basically said “yah they’ll do that, nothing is wrong”. Not sure if I’m completely satisfied with that answer as this is definitely a new noise. Current plan is to keep driving it and see what happens.

I do agree with Bill above... if it were a 2004 gasoline engine we’d call it leaking tappets and consider it diagnosed.

- You shared that you’re 3k into your oil change, but not what weight/brand you’re running. Is it possible this has something to do with (lack of) oil pressure at hot idle, or have you confirmed this is a combustion (and not mechanical) noise?

Stay well,

-dave

https://sprinter-source.com/forum/showthread.php?t=83984&highlight=sticky did you read this thread? It's really a good idea to get your injectors tested if you believe the van has started making a new noise at idle, especially one that changes differently depending on which injector you de-power. According to Dennis, failed injectors are not only common, but they destroy engines when ignored. "Tested injector pressures" is not a thing, so I would ask them how they performed that test, what it told them, and ask if they ever send injectors out for a real evaluation by a Bosch authorized service center. Also ask for the results of the smooth running test. If they didn't do that, then I'd find another dealer. The test is extremely easy and takes 10 minutes including turning the computer on.

Markxengineering: your link isn’t valid.
(but your message is spot-on! )

-dave

I read the injector thread you tagged previously as well. Part of me wants to pull and send injectors for testing, part of me just wants to buy a new injector and swap with the worst case scenario of having a spare. I was quoted $85 for testing locally. The dealership basically said they had another T1N in and they both sounded the same, so not a big deal. Meh.

hjumper33 said:

... I was quoted $85 for testing locally. ...

Click to expand...

Did that include R&R of the injector? From information in previous threads here I believe Williams diesel in Ocala FL is 50 bucks. Tested to Bosch standards.

If it is just a light tick maybe drive for a short time and see if it goes away or changes. You mentioned the additive early on. Work it through.

vic

Nautamaran said:

Markxengineering: your link isn’t valid.
(but your message is spot-on! )

-dave

Click to expand...

Maybe this one? https://sprinter-source.com/forum/showthread.php?t=17149

Quoted $85 for just testing at Bosch certified place here in Sacramento. Maybe that’s the California upcharge. Looks like injectors are $389 on europa, as I’ve heard not a good idea to buy rebuilt ones, unless this has changed from what I’ve read previously.

Sorry, link edited https://sprinter-source.com/forum/showthread.php?t=83984&highlight=sticky

Did an oil change yesterday (Mobil 1 Europeon 0 40) might be a little quieter. Remanned injector showed up today for no.5, will let you know.

Well no. 5 won't pop out even with some hot engine spirited driving. Will soak with carb cleaner a few days and try again. To be continued.

hjumper33 said:

So after more home testing with no real finding, I broke down and took the van to get “diagnosed” at the local MB dealer who actually does a lot of fleet vehicle maintenance. They looked over everything, tested injector pressures, ran diagnostics and basically said “yah they’ll do that, nothing is wrong”. Not sure if I’m completely satisfied with that answer as this is definitely a new noise. Current plan is to keep driving it and see what happens.

Click to expand...

....And that's exactly why I haven't brought my ticking van in to the dealer for diagnosis.

We don't know why it ticks, what causes it. It has 5 NEW injectors proper coded. We know it starts good, runs good, and gets 24mpg. If you're not down on power and still getting your usual mileage, I would monitor it but wouldn't freak out yet. Try to take lots of sound clips over the next few months and compare them to see if it's changing or staying consistent.

Lazy injectors (due to wear or buildup internally) can cause the valve to be slow to open. This results in the short injection events not happening consistently. These pilot events are used to smooth the running and reduce noise. Without them the engine is noticeably louder. At higher throttle levels these events get longer, and the fuel pressure is higher, so the lazy injection is less noticeable.

OK.
I reread this thread and I like MWD's analysis of a 'lazy injector'.
Perfect.
I never believed in additives but this winter I used this stuff because I had a load of summer fuel and zero temps in northern Wisconsin.

https://powerservice.com/psp_product/diesel-fuel-supplement-cetane-boost/

I have half a bottle left and could run that out(headed home soon) or go with an injector cleaner.

I think Linden suggests this...not sure which one??

https://www.bgprod.com/catalog/diesel-fuel-system/bg-245-diesel-premium-fuel-system-cleaner/

https://www.amazon.com/BG-245-Premium-Diesel-Cleaner/dp/B01CVH396Q

Anyone want to comment?

bill

Power service can't hurt anything, but its not a purpose built cleaner. Most cleaners are not suitable for daily usage, as they interfere with other fuel properties. I have not tracked down a cheaper option, but liquimoly diesel purge does a good job, and I have used in in older diesels with success.

So an update. I decided the course of action I wanted to take was to replace the single injector and see where that got me. The short answer is nowhere. New injector, van runs great, still ticking. Unplugging #5 still makes the ticking stop, unplugging all others individually does not. Only interesting thing I can note is that when I pulled the old injector back out that I had just cleaned less than 20 miles ago, the tip was already quite covered in carbon. I have no idea if this is normal, but just interested me. I think I’ll probably wind up getting the injector tested to have a spare if needed. I decided to take the route I did because I have a little self quarantine road trip planned for the wife’s bday in a few days, and would have been overly nervous the whole time. Axiom I think your route is the one I’ve decided in for now of watchful waiting. I’ll keep updating as I hate when I thread of someone having the exact same issue I’m searching ends with 0 resolution.


Dealer that did nothing actually didn’t charge me anything shockingly too, but yah, after 7 years with this van, my first time taking it to the dealer was the last.

Not being an expert on this chemistry I will post a comment.

For daily use (like Cialis), I have good feed back experiences using this by Stanadyne product:-
.
https://www.thoroughbreddiesel.com/stanadyne-performance-formula/

The BG and Liquimoly products are good for major service intervals, & I have used both with equal success .
Customers who have used the Stanadyne product appear to be very happy with its performance increase with Fords & Dodge Cummins brands.
Worth a try in your Sprinter I suppose , but I have no experience worthy of mentioning on this product .
Regards Dennis .

(Copied from old forum with video added) I was hoping to see a concise answer to this problem, but of course with a t1n there never is! I'm having the same tick at start up, and once its warm (idle or driving) its not noticeable. I'll try to remember to take some video and double check that there is no ticking when the engine is hot. But, speaking of all the theories thus far, within the last 3000 miles I have replaced all 5 injectors and everything but the power steering drive in the belt loop. So I don't think anything would be worn or slapping as previously mentioned, and I would hope the injectors are all good. They are Bosch remans. I am due for an oil change, but other than that I can't think of anything else. Will try to unplug injectors to see if there's any change, but is it more normal to hear at start up than at warm idle? or is it abnormal all together?

Added video, I was moving the camera down the injectors to see if there was any sign of build up.

My van has always had a bit of tick/tap. I figured it was normal for a small diesel. With hydraulic lifters, its not unusual to one thats a little lazy. You may try adding some light oil (Marvel mystery or seafoam) to the oil for a hundred miles before changing the oil. The solvents in these additives can sometimes help if there is a bit of junk sticking in a lifter.

Midwestdrifter said:

My van has always had a bit of tick/tap. I figured it was normal for a small diesel. With hydraulic lifters, its not unusual to one thats a little lazy. You may try adding some light oil (Marvel mystery or seafoam) to the oil for a hundred miles before changing the oil. The solvents in these additives can sometimes help if there is a bit of junk sticking in a lifter.

Click to expand...

I've used mystery oil for every other engine I've worked on, can't believe I didn't think of that! Going to put some in this weekend and drive around a bit before I do an oil change. Glad to know I'm not the only one with a bit of a tick/tap though!