1999 C230 Kompressor - hesitation under load - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Tassie · #1 09-26-2010, 06:18 PM

After looking at 190E's (none in good shape) and C220's (all with major hidden issues) and Volvo 740/940's (all worn out) I took the plunge and bought a 1999 C230 Kompressor. Originally for my daughter but now for my wife, and me, too.

Thanks to all those who have submitted to this site on their W202's. It was very helpful.

It was a one owner car, have a mitt full of service records from new, spare tires and wheels so we are well outfitted. Obviously well maintained with minimal concern for cost. The odometer is 130,000 km or about 80,000 miles.

Took the car home (500 km, 300 miles) and no problems except one odd thing.

On a long extended climb (8% grade) the car ran well but when I floored the accelerator to pass some trucks the car seemed to stall or hesitate, then finally caught and took off. Very impressed with the power but was concerned with the hesitation. At the top of the hill, I pulled over and checked everything out. The car idled beautifully but there was a slight odour of rotten eggs which I assume was unburned fuel trying to come through the catalytic converter. The rest of the trip was without any issue and even in other similar circumstances although there was not nearly the same load on the engine. No "check engine light" lit up.

It has a recent MAF sensor (10,000 km, 6000 miles) along with servicing at the same time. According to the previous owner, this is a city car with little freeway miles.

The car's behaviour reminded me when a previous vehicle I used had its catalytic converter plugged up. Do I have the same issue? I would think that a plugged cat would light up the CEL. Could other potential problem be fuel delivery (pump, filter, other?) developing?

By the way, fuel consumption was 7.5 l/100km (13.5 km/l or about 38 mpg) at 90-110 km/hr (55-70 mph).

Thanks,
Paul

mbdoc · #2 09-27-2010, 08:24 AM

You need to inspect the MAF & intake area for "oil".

The 4 cylinder Kompressor cars have a PCV valve & under boost it must close off completely OR oil will be pushed into the intake system.

Tassie · #3 09-27-2010, 02:04 PM

Thanks, MB Doc, is the PCV valve the same as the "crankcase vent valve"? It seems so to me but I want to be sure. I understand that there are two of these - one small and under the intake assembly and a larger one that is located where?

I don't have any repair manual yet. I'm assuming the Bentley manual for $130 +/- is the most appropriate for this model. It seems that there is no CD manual as I have for my W124.

Thanks,
Paul

Tassie · #4 09-27-2010, 06:28 PM

Can anyone help by providing the steps to remove and replace the PCV valve in a 1999 C230 Komp? All I know is that it resides somwhere beneath the intake manifold and it appears to be a difficult job to replace.

Thanks for the help,
Paul

mpolli · #5 09-29-2010, 01:50 PM

I thought I would help since my friend has that car. So I looked under the hood and I was pretty sure I located the PCV valve, right on top of the engine, on the passenger side. But then when I looked at a picture online, and that appears not to be the PCV valve, even though the crankcase vent hose goes right to it. So I am sorry I really don't know. Maybe the photos on line are wrong or I don't know what I am looking at. I hope someone can help!

Tassie · #6 09-30-2010, 12:22 AM

Thanks, Mpolli. I appreciate the effort.

This has been very frustrating for me as I am still waiting for the repair manual which may take another week or so.

I've attached pictures of each side of the engine so, hopefully, someone can assist.

I was able to find the MAS (left side of radiator), intercooler (beneath radiator), and oil separator (right side of valve cover). But where is that d***ed PCV valve? I've tried to look all around the intake and the block as MB Doc advised but I simply cannot see it. Help would be appreciated and especially any downloads to replace the valve!

Thanks,
Paul

mbdoc · #7 09-30-2010, 08:10 AM

PCV valve is between the intake manifold & block.
Is mounted into a hose & 2 other hoses connect to it.

NOT easy to replace, must be done from underneath.

ofir106 · #8 10-04-2010, 04:10 PM

Hi M.B.DOC,

I have the same problem on my C200 Kompressor 2003(Oil on MAF sensor), do you know whether there is PCV valve on my car?

Thanks,

Tassie · #9 10-15-2010, 02:13 AM

Based on other pictures and posts - I believe that part # 122 is the PCV. Right? If so, then the PCV is held by bracket #125 and has hoses #116 and #113 attached. Hose #113 goes where? And hose #116 goes where? Any other hoses?

Thanks in advance.
Paul