Can clogged PCV valve cause turbo wastegate issues
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 2
Likes: 1
C Class 300 4matic
Can clogged PCV valve cause turbo wastegate issues
My 2016 C Class had a bad PCV valve (clogged) which was a covered repair under an "extended warranty" Mercedes voluntarily gave me through a letter. The week I received the letter I called to arrange the repair, but immediately after my car threw a new code for turbo issues (my boyfriend checked the code). The dealer repaired the pcv valve but said I now have a wastegate actuator leak and that it needs replaced, or replace entire turbo system as the "official" MB recommended fix (to the tune of $7k).
Could this issue have been caused by the bad PCV valve? I find it ironic that the code showed up the week I received the letter. The check engine light did go on and off for a little while, indicating the PCV issue before I received the letter.
I have had many issues with this car that I had to pay out of pocket, even though there were recalls for same issues, but not with my VIN. I'm beyond frustrated and this car has cost me a lot of repair $$. I feel they don't stand behind their product.
Thank you for your opinions and assistance!
Could this issue have been caused by the bad PCV valve? I find it ironic that the code showed up the week I received the letter. The check engine light did go on and off for a little while, indicating the PCV issue before I received the letter.
I have had many issues with this car that I had to pay out of pocket, even though there were recalls for same issues, but not with my VIN. I'm beyond frustrated and this car has cost me a lot of repair $$. I feel they don't stand behind their product.
Thank you for your opinions and assistance!
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 11,921
Likes: 6,775
From: Silicon Valley
W212 MY'14 M276-3.5NA @75kMi
oil contamination
My 2016 C Class had a bad PCV valve (clogged) which was a covered repair under an "extended warranty" Mercedes voluntarily gave me through a letter. The week I received the letter I called to arrange the repair, but immediately after my car threw a new code for turbo issues (my boyfriend checked the code). The dealer repaired the pcv valve but said I now have a wastegate actuator leak and that it needs replaced, or replace entire turbo system as the "official" MB recommended fix (to the tune of $7k).
Could this issue have been caused by the bad PCV valve? I find it ironic that the code showed up the week I received the letter. The check engine light did go on and off for a little while, indicating the PCV issue before I received the letter.
I have had many issues with this car that I had to pay out of pocket, even though there were recalls for same issues, but not with my VIN. I'm beyond frustrated and this car has cost me a lot of repair $$. I feel they don't stand behind their product.
Thank you for your opinions and assistance!
Could this issue have been caused by the bad PCV valve? I find it ironic that the code showed up the week I received the letter. The check engine light did go on and off for a little while, indicating the PCV issue before I received the letter.
I have had many issues with this car that I had to pay out of pocket, even though there were recalls for same issues, but not with my VIN. I'm beyond frustrated and this car has cost me a lot of repair $$. I feel they don't stand behind their product.
Thank you for your opinions and assistance!
The turbo wastegate control is a vaccum diaphragm operated by a vacuum pump that gets filled with oil when crankcase pressure is uncontrollably high.
Pump then unloads pressurized oil content into vacuum lines - I should warn you to be aware of the vacuum brake booster getting oil filled at the same time by the same pump for exactly same reason. The only thing is brake vacuum connection is located higher up on the pump.
I don't think dealer is going to extend comprehensive care to these items.
> Luck opportunity:
The wastegates are fairly rugged and have been shown to survive oil contamination - If you take your vehicle to an indy MB specialist they may charge you $200. instead of $7,000 to clear oil contamination.
Good day now ?
✌️
Last edited by CaliBenzDriver; Nov 8, 2023 at 03:49 PM. Reason: saving opportunity
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 954
Likes: 245
E550 Coupe 2wd (2016)
Seems bizarre it could fill with oil from the PCV issue, but it seems Cali knows something I don't? Even if it did fill with oil, I'd just suck it out.
I would check the turbo vacuum lines for oil, which will at least give you a yes/no on that. I'd also check for said "wastegate actuator leak". I'm not clear if the code appeared after you made the appt, or after they worked on it, because if after they touch it I'd suspect they did it while working on it. Either way I'd follow the vac line and see if it popped off anywhere, or broke. I don't know your car/engine but I assume it has a both rubber and hard plastic lines between the turbo and vacuum pump. Plus there should be a turbo solenoid in the middle somewhere. You can google that looks like. Should be easy to trace the line if you, or "the boyfriend", has some understanding of engines. And there's always youtube.
Mechanics/shops/dealers get paid by the job, so of course you need a new "whatever is most expensive".
I would check the turbo vacuum lines for oil, which will at least give you a yes/no on that. I'd also check for said "wastegate actuator leak". I'm not clear if the code appeared after you made the appt, or after they worked on it, because if after they touch it I'd suspect they did it while working on it. Either way I'd follow the vac line and see if it popped off anywhere, or broke. I don't know your car/engine but I assume it has a both rubber and hard plastic lines between the turbo and vacuum pump. Plus there should be a turbo solenoid in the middle somewhere. You can google that looks like. Should be easy to trace the line if you, or "the boyfriend", has some understanding of engines. And there's always youtube.
Mechanics/shops/dealers get paid by the job, so of course you need a new "whatever is most expensive".
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 4
Likes: 1
C205 W/ M177
I understand your concern given that the repair cost could cost you. I would invest in a proper diagnosis before replacing a turbo. The PCV valve replacement may not be related to your current issue. The technician would have been working on the left side of your engine bay and the DTC set is talking about a fault on the right side of your engine. My opinion would be to direct my attention toward the turbo actuation procedure. This would include gathering info on how the turbo is controlled. Vacuum or electronic. How are my supply voltages and ground if they apply? How are any vacuum lines or connections to and from? Is there anything restricted or binding? If you can have this all verified then and only being 100% positive would I go to such lengths to replace a turbo. The 205 C class is a great product as long as it's MAINTAINED PROPERLY as per MB instruction.
