Noisy cold start, check engine light on

2003 MERCEDES BENZ C230
230,000 MILES • 1.8L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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VIVEKHB
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My car on cold start ,engine makes noise for a minute or so and then the noise fades off.I always have a CEL.
I also noticed that on signals the car RPMs rise as I move .
I plan on changing the exhaust manifold gasket.
Your valuable opinion is requested,as I have never changed the gasket.What more have I to remove?
Thanks in advance.
Jul 30, 2021 at 7:25 AM
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SQM
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Hello,

Do you know what are the trouble codes (CEL)?
This might point you to the right direction.
Also can you upload a video of the noise?
Usually exhaust manifold leaking noise will be present for several minutes until the engine is warm enough to expand the manifold and stop the leak.
Is there any smoke coming out of the exhaust?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-exhaust-systems-work

I have attached the exhaust manifold gasket replacement process for your reference.

Please let me know little more info.

Thank you.
Jul 30, 2021 at 8:10 AM
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VIVEKHB
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Hi,thanks for your response . There is no smoke coming out of the exhaust,but as you said the noise is only for few minutes until the engine warms up.
Code P0410 -Sec. air injection fault ,air flow is too low.
Am I on the right tract ?Relying on your expert advice .Thanks once again.
Jul 30, 2021 at 9:26 AM
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SQM
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Well, when a secondary air injection pump becomes faulty it can make noise as well on startup, the will go away after a little while.
Many times you can simply clean out the pump (if it has visible gunk inside of it).
I would suggest you first take care of the air pump, before tackling exhaust manifold gasket.
Jul 30, 2021 at 9:41 AM
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VIVEKHB
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My car is supercharged hence it does not have the air injection pump/smog pump,please correct me if I am wrong.
Jul 30, 2021 at 11:10 AM
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SQM
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Correct. Because the C230 Kompressor is supercharged there is not another air pump.
There is a line that is diverted from the intake just before the throttle body. (look below)
That goes to a vacuum actuator, which acts as the pump. Which can still get gunky inside and cause the CEL.
Jul 30, 2021 at 11:39 AM
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VIVEKHB
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Sorry Sir ,but I can't see the vacuum actuator valve but I can see the throttle body . Please your support is highly appreciated. Waiting for your reply.
Jul 30, 2021 at 12:26 PM
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SQM
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You will have to remove the plastic covers in order to access.
Can you upload picture of under hood?
I believe the picture I sent you is for a 02 , I think the 03 is little different.
Jul 30, 2021 at 1:34 PM
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VIVEKHB
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Sir,thanks for the reply .To be honest I don't see the Vacuum actuator. I took some photos that are posted on youtube that pertain to my model.Please direct me on the photos as to which line that gets gunky inside that causes CEL, that I have to disconnect and replace or can be cleaned .Thanks.
Jul 30, 2021 at 2:06 PM
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SQM
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This should be that valve (see below).
It typically gets gunk built-up inside the valve. When you take the hose off, you can usually see the inside. This can be cleaned by parts cleaner, just be careful not to use too much cleaner inside.
Jul 30, 2021 at 2:11 PM
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VIVEKHB
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Thanks a lot ,Sir .I will clean and let you know the outcome.
Jul 30, 2021 at 2:25 PM
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SQM
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You're welcome.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Jul 30, 2021 at 2:28 PM
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VIVEKHB
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Sorry Sir, but I can't see the vacuum actuator valve. please the picture so sent me I cannot get it on my car .
Jul 30, 2021 at 5:42 PM
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SQM
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Look at the picture below. Does your engine by looks like this? Circled in red.
Jul 30, 2021 at 7:33 PM
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VIVEKHB
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Yes , it does look exactly the same.
Jul 30, 2021 at 7:34 PM
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SQM
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That should be the valve. Let me know the outcome after you clean it out.
Jul 30, 2021 at 7:36 PM
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VIVEKHB
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Sir,I cleaned the valve ,(was not that gunky inside ),erased the code.
The noise on cold start has vanished and after 13 km drive, the CEL has not come back, seems -mission accomplished.
I want to clarify one thing - the vacuum actuator valve is also called EGR valve ?Please confirm .
And thanks once again for your valuable advice.I will be in touch with you on this update in a couple of days .
Have a blessed weekend,bye.
Jul 31, 2021 at 12:51 PM
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SQM
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EGR : exhaust gas recirculation valve is not same the vacuum actuator.
That actuator works from the intake side. The EGR works on the exhaust side.
Glad it is working now.
Happy to help.
Jul 31, 2021 at 8:32 PM
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VIVEKHB
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Hi Sir, you state the vacuum actuator works from the intake side,so the vacuum actuator (you happen to round in the diagram) I happen to clean is on the exhaust side.On the intake side I don't see any vacuum actuator.
Now, I am confused because the CEL has come up again as I was driving.
Waiting to hear from you.
Aug 1, 2021 at 2:23 PM
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SQM
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Is the vehicle giving you the same CEL code?
Would it be possible to upload few pictures of the engine area of your car?
Some reason I am getting conflicting information on the 2003 C230.
As that was a refresh year.
Aug 1, 2021 at 2:44 PM
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VIVEKHB
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Sir, I got the same code P0410.
Also here are the pictures of the engine bay,thanks once again.
Aug 1, 2021 at 4:09 PM
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SQM
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The issue is that I was going by my US spec manual for that C230.
You are not in US correct?
So I will have to assume you have the Euro spec C230, which has different smog/emission related component.
After doing some more checking. I believe this is the secondary air pump for your C230 (picture below).
Can you confirm if that part has a tubing that goes to the intake?
Aug 1, 2021 at 5:17 PM
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VIVEKHB
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Sir, I am from Montreal,Canada.The part you circled in red is the throttle body.
I recollect very well that the vacuum valve solenoid has three rubber hoses ,one attaches to the intake manifold and two attach to the EGR valve, the one that I cleaned yesterday.I have attached the photos below.
Thanks once again.
Aug 1, 2021 at 6:04 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

I noticed it has been a couple of days since you have been contacted. Has any progress been made? We are interested in knowing.

Let us know what we can do to help.

Joe
Aug 3, 2021 at 10:54 PM
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VIVEKHB
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Hi Joe, I am basically waiting for a reply from your part. I was asked to clean the vacuum valve on the intake side of the manifold, but I don't see any valve. Please direct me, thanks in advance.
Aug 4, 2021 at 1:19 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

No problem. I read back through the threads and found a picture that you sent us. I copied it and attached it below. That is what you are looking for.

Joe
Aug 4, 2021 at 10:10 PM
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VIVEKHB
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Hi Joe , I have cleaned the EGR valve and the check engine light came back after 20km .I don't see the actuator valve on the intake manifold .Please your direction is highly appreciated.
Aug 5, 2021 at 12:51 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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That valve is a back pressure valve, not an actuator.

The EGR gets carbon up on the shaft and you cannot access it for cleaning. The only way is to replace the valve.

Roy
Aug 7, 2021 at 5:52 PM
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VIVEKHB
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Thank you Roy , I will change the EGR valve and let you know the outcome.Have a blessed Sunday.
Aug 8, 2021 at 3:38 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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You are welcome.

Always glad to help.

Roy
Aug 8, 2021 at 4:28 PM
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VIVEKHB
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Hi Roy ,I replaced the EGR valve and after 32 km of driving the check engine light has come back. Please, waiting for your expert opinion.

Vivek
Aug 26, 2021 at 5:20 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Is the valve being commanded open?
You can heck by accelerating the throttle from under the hood and see if the valve opens and closes.

Roy
Aug 27, 2021 at 4:55 AM
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VIVEKHB
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Thanks Roy for reply. please Roy let me know as to how to check the opening and closing of the valve on acceleration. Thanks in advice.
Vivek
Aug 27, 2021 at 4:29 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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When you raise the engine RPM, the valve should open and close depending on the load.

Roy
Aug 27, 2021 at 9:13 PM
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VIVEKHB
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I didn't get exactly what your saying Roy, but I will try and come back to you .Thanks once again Roy.
Vivek
Aug 29, 2021 at 9:43 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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You are welcome.

Roy
Aug 29, 2021 at 9:55 AM