Hi - I own a 2004 Mercedes Benz C230 Kompressor manual shift 1.8L putt-putt with 163000 miles on it. A couple months ago it started to flutter during driving and seemed like it would intermittently lose compression. Took it to AutoZone for the 'diagnostic' as the check engine light came on and I was told the diagnostic read PCV valve - I did this twice and both times I was told the same thing - PCV valve. I've bought and returned 3 items now - one car part place sent me a breather valve and I think the other two were crankcase (breather?) valves. Tried and tried to find where the PCV valve was located in the engine and to sum it up - I don't think my car even HAS a pcv valve! Can you verify? And if it doesnt have a PCV valve - why is the diagnostic saying it has a bad one? So confused and aggravated with this car.
Also - - I have replaced the alternator twice and the battery twice in the last 12 months and the battery/started warning light is coming on again. It usually only lights up when Im coming out of first or slowing to a stop, but its doing the same thing as the other 2 times just before my battery died out completer (would even test as a bad battery at Auto Zone) and I had to replace both alternator and battery. Alternator is a rebuild and the battery is brand new? Any ideas? Any input is greatly appreciated.
This car is baffling, really miss my Infiniti...
It does have a positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system - in your case it’s also probably quite complicated to it being a “Kompressor” engine.
Looking online this M271 engine is famous for building up so much deposits in the PVC system that the tubes burst from overpressure.
Also from my online research, this engine has an issue where the exhaust valves get so much carbon deposits on them they won’t close causing low compression.
https://www.autozone.com/emission-control-and-exhaust/pcv-valve
It will be located between the valve cover and the intake manifold. The valve itself usually sits in a rubber grommet on the valve cover, but not always. Check the picture above. It might help you locate it.
Yep! it's under the intake manifold and also requires taking off the supercharger.
Bummer!, for a $6 part.
Thank you Dan for your input. Any suggestions on how to avoid this from happening (the tubes bursting)? Would it hurt the engine to put some sea foam engine cleaner in it? Or something similar? Any idea where the PCV valve is located? I cannot find an image that shows where its located. Thank you for your help once again.
Diana
Hi,
The only place where they show the location of the PVC hoses and what parts are needed on what engine is in this tear-down video.
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It's not in English, but you can enable English subtitles on Youtube.
Subtitles aren't great (they translate $40 to $140 and "PVC" to "VKG") but I couldn't find any better information on this engine.
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From 8:15 to 9:40 in the Video he shows where the PVC hoses are connected, explains how clogged hoses affect the engine, what parts need to be replaced to remedy issues and how it should be performed.
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https://youtu.be/0Xy1biqRRTY?t=495
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Also if you want me to see something, please use the websites mention feature ( @dan )
Do not use Seafoam in your engine, find something else made for a 4 stroke engine.
@doc what happens if you use seafoam on a 4-stroke engine?
Don't know. I've never been dumb enough to use it.
😆 brilliant
