Engine oil leak(s) - 08 XC90 V8 Sport - R-design

[scot850]

My buddy and his ex-wife got a smoking deal on this vehicle from s friend. They had owned it from possibly new and gave it to their son 5 years ago. He is moving way east so needed to move the car on.

Naturally a V8 with 125k miles on it is not going to come with no issues. I have most of them handles with the exception of an oil leak at the top of the engine and possibly one lower down. We are getting out friendly local Volvo dealer to give the engine a valet so we can then try to ID where the oil is leaking from.

The one at the top is near the power steering pump. I believe there may be an issue with some O'ring there. My mechanic buddy says he has seen the issue before and although you can't buy the part from Volvo (whatever it is) he has doubled up on O-rings and stopped the problem. However we need to clean the engine to confirm the source.

We will have to wait and see if that is the only leak or if there is another lower down. Neither seem like major issues so far, and are not cam cover leaks. Starter is also dry which is a good sign.

Only issue rust wise is a strange area of corrosion on the rear bottom edge of the driver's side rear door. Rest of the car looks mint outside and inside. I'm so jealous! Been looking for this spec in non-lack paint exterior for 2+ years with R-Design seats. The cream though is not my first choice as I tend to do junkyard runs. I'd have to invest in seat covers!

08 XC90 in Titanium grey

R-Design interior

Neil.

[ggleavitt]

PS pump seeps then leaks, runs down the front and back through the valley. Stuff is really thin, gets all over everything. I did see some posts about the top oil presure pipe o-ring leaking but that's usually been a new o-ring and it was maybe only one or two. Pump o-rings will leak, I replaced both my pumps with Volvo exchange but kept the cores and have one with an https://www.rkxtech.com/ kit in it on a shelf for a one day replacement. That could well be your top. Leaks are a progression on this motor, it's usually valve then timing then pans. PS pump and alternator replacement are a given to me anytime after 120k. Aux belt with rollers replaced already? Past time let alone mileage. Do yourself a favor and do all new idlers (tensioner can stay if you can move it correctly and not blow out the center damper fluid- bolt is reverse threaded) if you do. Last but not least, check the three way washer regulator (T) under the hood passenger side for cracks, avoid spewing wsher fluid on your alternator and accelerating the inevitable failure. Apologies if you know this motor already, just sharing my experiences. Curious if this motor has a drain hole on the back of the CB shaft box casting. If you were so inclined, this can be seen with a borescope- viewtopic.php?p=517385#p517385 . I'm guessing this motor does not have a hole, probably a safe bet to run it to temp right after the valet cleaining if any water is sprayed up top.

[Krons]

Kids 05 XC90 2.5T would leave an oil puddle size of a US half dollar when parked. Had vacuum so PCV was functioning. I ran two oil changes with AT-205 which stopped the leak. Then switched to Valvoline MaxLife and it has not came back.

If you are struggling to find root cause may be worth a try.

[scot850]

I will leave those issues to my buddy who is the ex-Volvo mechanic and knows these engines well. We plan to take the car to the local dealer and have the engine bay cleaned top and bottom to try to find the source of the leak(s). I know enough about these engines that they can get a bit leaky just for the hell of it. We'll just have to cross those bridges when we get there. First thing though is to get the car through the insurance inspection, then once the engine bay is clean we can have the owners run the car for a few days and then have another look for leaks.

I always appreciate any input, as you are always learning on these cars.

Thanks!

Neil.