What are the signs of a failing PCV valve in a Mercedes-Benz?

Mercedes-Benz is well known for using cutting edge technologies to develop high end vehicles. It is also known for 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen which is considered as the first internal combustion engine in a self-propelled vehicle. German car manufacturers have developed efficient and powerful internal combustion engines which have had a revolutionary impact on the auto industries. An internal combustion engine uses hydrocarbon based fuel like petrol, diesel and gasoline to generate the mechanical energy required to power a vehicle. However, any kind of minor error in the system could damage the engine which might cost a lot. So, a faulty component should be repaired or replaced immediately to keep the engine operational.

Positive crankcase ventilation valve or PCV valve is a vital component of an internal combustion engine which helps to regulate the pressure and airflow in the engine and keep the engine functional. Besides, it prevents sludge build up and motor oil leaks and prevent unnecessary problems in the engine which might cause irreparable damages to the engine. It also acts as a crucial part of the emission control system which recirculates the unburnt hydrocarbons to the combustion chamber of the engine and thus minimizes environmental pollution.

PCV valve failure in a Mercedes-Benz

Blow by unburned hydrocarbons which have leaked past the piston rings could increase pressure inside the crankcase. Rapid rise in the crankcase pressure could damage the sensitive components of the engine. The positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve hose transfers the blow by gases to the PCV valve which conveys the blow by gases to the intake manifold. However, a failing PCV valve could not do so as a result of which the engine performance declines and fuel consumption inclines. So, signs of a failing PCV valve in a Mercedes-Benz should not be ignored.

Engine power output declines:

If the PCV valve is failing to play its part due to certain malfunctions, then the power output of a Mercedes-Benz engine would definitely decline. Pressure built up inside the crankcase would increase rapidly due to the failure of the PCV valve as a result of which the certain components of the engine would not work efficiently as a result of which the power output of a Mercedes-Benz would decline. Besides, higher pressure could also be responsible for sludge build up inside the engine which also adversely affects its performance. So, if the power output of an engine declines suddenly, then efforts should be made to repair such problems.

Motor oil leak:

As described earlier, a defective PCV valve is solely responsible for the rise of pressure inside the crankcase which could damage the gaskets and seals. Motor oil level declines rapidly due to those cracks or damages which could negatively affect the performance of a Mercedes-Benz. Besides, it could also cause irreparable damages to important components of the engine and could bring the vehicle to a halt in the middle of nowhere. So, a puddle of motor oil beneath the car shows that the motor oil level is declining rapidly due to the cracks in the crankcase. Cracks should be repaired and a faulty PCV valve should be replaced immediately to keep the engine of a Mercedes-Benz operational.

Check engine light illuminates:

Illumination of the check engine light on the dashboard of a Mercedes-Benz shows that something is wrong with the vehicle. Broken or faulty PCV valve could be responsible for the illumination of such an important warning light. Mercedes-Benz has a very intelligent onboard computer which could detect the problems associated with different components of the engine including the PCV valve and could warn the driver about such problems in time. Neglecting such warning signs might have catastrophic outcomes.

Final thoughts

Integration of a positive crankcase ventilation system has significantly enhanced the efficiency of a typical internal combustion engine. It also prevents air pollution by minimizing the emission of unburned hydrocarbons to the atmosphere. Besides, it also stabilizes crankcase pressure. However, failure of the PCV valve could have a significant negative influence on the performance of a Mercedes-Benz and could even jeopardize the entire system. So, signs of a failing PCV valve should not be ignored. The condition of different components of the engine of a Mercedes-Benz should be inspected regularly and defective components should be repaired or replaced immediately.

We at Gleenwood Foreign car located in Morrisville, Pennsylvania have been serving the customers around the region since 1977. We service and repair models like Audi, BMW, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mercedes, MINI, Porsche, Volkswagen, and Volvo.