I recently purchased a '98 C230 and have been satisfied with its performance over the past few months. Two days ago, I noticed a clicking sound when the heat is turned on, and only when the heat is on. Of course, I popped the hood and took a look at the engine and noticed nothing obvious or clear to the eye. This is when I noticed the major concern for this posting... I opened the oil cap to the engine, while the car was running, and to my despair found that air and oil were pushing the cap off. I did some research and concluded this to be a compression problem. Thus, I am wondering if this is a common problem? What could be the possible source or stem of the problem? What price am I looking at to get it fixed? Is it possible to fix on my own? Any information and suggestions would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks for your time...

Cheers,
Arun Ponnappan

If what you are trying to say is that there was a buildup of pressure in the crankcase (hence the "air" blowing the oil cap off in your hand), I would first check to make sure the positive crankcase ventilation valve/system is not clogged and otherwise operating as it should.

In any event, I don't see how you have connected the the heater, your car's performance, a strange clicking noise, and positive crankcase pressure together? There is no logical connection. Positive crankcase pressure is a problem though (if, in fact, you have it), so get it checked out.

Greg

I apologize if I implied a connection between all those different factors... I was just being as detailed as possible for the reader's sake. Ultimately, the only thing of concern is the positive crankcase pressure (the fact that air and spitting oil is pushing the oil cap off its position). Now, is checking or running a diagnostic on the positive crankcase ventilation valve/system a simple task, or is the assistance of a proffesional required? My father and I have experience with cars and car repair, however, we are not experts and I am just curious to the extent and type of work this diagnostic requires... I appreciate your advice, and am getting "sweetie" (that's what I call her) checked out within the week.

Cheers,
Arun Ponnappan