My wife's 91 190E 2.6 makes a whirring sound that rises and falls with engine rpm. The belt seems to be fine. I was wondering about the timing chain ? Anyone have any ideas. Also when is it prudent to change the timing chain. Thanks
I think you got the same problem with me... Turn the A/C off... does the whirring sound disappear?
If not, when is the last time you changed the serpentine belt? What is the current mileage? You probably need to change the belt tensioner.
I recently bought an 86' 190e and found the tensioner in these cars consists of a rubber grommited arm (bad description sorry).
Basically it relys on a rubber "donut" with metal on the inside and outside to provide the belt tension. The connection between the rubber donut and the outer metal had broken down on mine which allowed the middle to turn, thereby not providing enough tension.
If you know how to adjust this tensioner, simple relaxing it and retightening it will let you see whether it still working. Also the amount of threaded rod that sticks up from the adjuster when the belt is tense should be a dead giveaway (the rod shouldn't be sticking out above the adjustin nut).
My car also had slightly loose alternater bearing (110K miles) and a very slight wobble to the waterpump. A new waterpump and a re bushing of the alternator (65$US) by a local auto electric shop made it purr.
Good Luck, Marty
PS be careful not to overtighten the serpentine belt tensioner adjustment as the adjuster will break quite easily (I broke two before figuring out my tensioner was spun heh)
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