Oil Leak and Exteremely Low Gas Milage!!!

Mark81388 · Post by **Mark81388** » 05 Jul 2005, 13:10

Hi, I own a 1994 Volvo 850 (non turbo/no leather) w/ 150,000 mi.. I recently checked my oil (after 2000 mi. since my last oil change) and noticed that it was almost empty, so i immediately poured two quarts in. The next day I parked my car and then moved it soon afterwards and saw that the car leaked a puddle of oil on the ground so I popped the hood and saw alot of dried oil and a bunch of oil deposits on the top of my engine. Ever since then I've been getting REALLY bad gas milage, and I don't know why. If this is a serious problem or a potential serious problem, i'm going to sell this and buy a BMW. I'm kinda worried, and don't feel like spending alot of money, so please help me out guys. Thanks alot.

Post by **kelvin6** » 05 Jul 2005, 15:45

Quick note, the oil dipstick can tell on the average of 1 liter between empty and full (and be sure to check the car on a flat level surface). Add two quarts probably made it 'overflow'. Now because it came back out there are two things you may want to check: The oil filler cap gasket and your flame trap. If the flame trap is clogged, then it will trap high pressures inside the engine causing oil to come right back out at the oil cap (especially if the gasket is bad) or through the valve cover gaskets. Since your oil leak is through the top, then I would suspect the filler cap. Seriously check the flame trap, because that can cause all sorts of problems when you don't inspect/replace it. On the other note, because you have terrible MPGs, check the usual: Air Filter, spark plugs, fuel filter, etc.

M8138 · Post by **M8138** » 05 Jul 2005, 18:43

Thanks alot, I was looking at the engine while the car was on, and i noticed oil dripping down the side of under the oil cap, BTW, could it be the PVC is clogged?

Post by **kelvin6** » 05 Jul 2005, 20:53

Actually the Flame Trap is the PCV. Hey on the bright side, if it turns out to be all that I mentioned, it'll be very cheap to fix. Flame trap and oil filler cap gasket are only less than a dollar each. Beats buying a new car...

Mark8138 · Post by **Mark8138** » 06 Jul 2005, 04:55

Great, where can i find a manual to do it myself instead of paying a mechanic? Is it an easy intstall? And is the Flame Trap/PCV that little tube that connects to the engine to the lower left of the fuel cap? Do I have to buy these parts from a dealer?

White850Turbo · Post by **White850Turbo** » 06 Jul 2005, 08:53

http://www.volvospeed.com/Repair/ftrap.php

Take care of the flame trap and the oil filler cap gasket first, then see what happens. Even at the dealer, those two parts will cost less than $5 together. Also, I would reconsider buying a bimmer. They're good cars, but a giant headache to work on when something does go wrong.

Mark81388 · Post by **Mark81388** » 06 Jul 2005, 17:53

Yup, I replaced the flame trap, and it ran beautifully, i cleaned the engine of all the oil deposits. Thanks alot guys, I love my Volvo and am glad I get to keep on doing that. BTW, the flame trap cost $8, which is much better than $50 for diagnostic, $8 for parts, and $60 labor.

Post by **kelvin6** » 06 Jul 2005, 19:24

^^ Good for you

!

Hold on, $8 for the flame trap, I just ordered one for $0.50! You may still want to get the filler cap gasket as well, as that probably let all the oil out. To install that, remove the the cap and remove the gasket and clean the cap. Then install the new gasket (I think there are little guides or holders for the gasket, no need to glue or anything).

Next time if you need parts try: http://www.fcpgroton.com/volvo.htm#850

^Some of their stuff is just cheaper in general (you can start with the $0.65 oil filler cap gasket). Good luck with your 850!