Thanks. I had the PCV, catalytic converter, airbox, cam seals, and flametrap replaced. A Volvo mechanic (friend of a friend) is supposed to pick up the car sometime soon and give it a good going over. His initial thopughts were that I may need the entire top of the engine rebuilt.

He said the PCV ...

Apparently leaking badly around the valve covers now. Leaked or blew 4 quarts of oil within the last 2 days. I looked at the valve cover when I bought the car. I would have seen it if it was pouring out like that. Well I have spent the other $400 I had saved to spend on a car. Couldn't get the valve ...

Catalytic converter is completely clogged up. That explains a lot; why didn't I think of that. I got an engine code (212) yesterday that means faulty oxygen sensor. That should have tipped me off right there. That explains the high backpressure and the lack of power too. Damn, those are expensive ...

Apparently, there is supposed to be a screen in there and it is missing. That is why the PCV valve is all stopped up with solids. Fortunately, the guy thinks he can clean it and get it working again. He has the kit if he needs it but doesn't think he will have to use it. He went and got a ...

I have someone replacing the PCV valve today. I'll let everyone know how it works.

Ohh, gotcha. Is it possible just to grab the entire hose and turn it in there?

If you're above 150 psi, your engine is still in good shape. NA engines should have about 170-180 psi ideally.

Remember to hold the throttle wide open.
Wait, I am not supposed to actually START the car, right? I ...

Does yours look anything like this? http://www.harborfreight.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/370x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/i/m/image_6165.jpg
I stabbed the adapter with long needle-nose pliers to get it in/out. The hose doesn't need to be super tight.
No, the one loaned me by ...

Is there any other possible reason for the white smoke from the dipstick and oil blown all over the motor?

Do I risk blowing seals by driving the car in this condition for a short while before I get the chance to fix it?

Will fixing the PCV do anything to increase the pickup or make the engine run ...

The old expression "What were you thinking" comes into my head. Sounds like everything
went well for the test drive.

Anyway, while I have a 1997 Volvo 850 with Low Pressure Turbo, there may be some similarities.

My car was sluggish, lacked power, and didn't have much energy. I did a lot of things ...

OK, fuel filter changed. Flame trap was already missing but the holder was full of oil and pretty gunked up. I washed it out with gasoline. The little rubber tube connected to the flame trap holder fits very loosely. Is that supposed to be a vacuum tube? As loose as it is, I don't think it will ...