Smoke from dipstick, changed PVC and cleaned PTC

dereswyman · Post by **dereswyman** » 11 Oct 2009, 20:47

I just replaced the PVC system and cleaned out the PTC nipple. I still have smoke coming from the dipstick. What else could be it? This car is starting to get on my nerves. It drives really nicely but with this positive pressure, I don't know how much longer it'll last. Does it take time for the smoke to disappear? Would doing an oil change help it? I've done about 1700 miles since the last change.

Post by **misha** » 12 Oct 2009, 16:43

Did you cleaned up the holes in engine block where hoses from pcv box are connected?If not,it's the same like you didn't replaced pcv system.

If you did...i think i read somewhere at this forum that some members also had a smoke from a dipstick after pcv job and after a couple hundreds of miles it dissapeared.

dereswyman · Post by **dereswyman** » 12 Oct 2009, 19:04

Yep, the holes were cleaned. But I guess I'll just put in a few miles into it first and see how it goes. I'll also get the oil changed asap. Would performing a seafoam cleaning help it?

Thanks for your help.

wjhandy850 · Post by **wjhandy850** » 13 Oct 2009, 07:53

I too am getting smoke after replacing pvc system on my 97 850 GLT. I cleaned the PTC with various cleaners. I didn't use the pipe cleaners as previously directed I cleaned the holes in the block but they didn't seem to be noticeably blocked I got a vacuum to draw some oil through. I also just got the head gasket replaced with a used rebuilt head. What are the proper Volvo servicing procedure on cleaning/replacing pvc system? I am now riding with dipstick slightly opened to keep the pressure from building up.

volvomileage · Post by **volvomileage** » 13 Oct 2009, 16:03

reading all this and having the same problem i am woundering if a defective or stuck egr valve can cause this condition..

the two holes on the block were barely dirty when i took it apart there was traces of solid oil really nothing to write home about, but the holes were clear no blockage... plus the oil trap was empty...but the rubber piping was gone unflexible and solid i guess the previous owner just cleaned everythig and put it back together...i changed about everything used and engine flush in the oil to finish with and oil change and still smokes..

i am really thinking the must be something wrong with the egr valve..

any ideas ?

Post by **misha** » 13 Oct 2009, 16:13

I don't know guys...Mij have the same problem.He replaced complete pcv system and cleaned egr system (in detail) on his non turbo model and still have positive pressure from oil dipstick.No oil consumption and everything is fine with the car except that smoke from dipstick.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 17 Oct 2009, 08:12

Yeah, tell me about it! I also have an exhaust cam seal leak now- I just keep adding oil. I'm a bit afraid to fix that as the positive pressure is sure to blow another seal- maybe this time the rear-main- something I don't want.

volvomileage · Post by **volvomileage** » 17 Oct 2009, 11:32

there must be something to do about this a part from letting it vent through the dipstick tube.....would seafoam help ?

can it be the egr valve ?

its frustrating and it is more frustrating after you have cleaned and changed for brand new components...gezzzz

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 17 Oct 2009, 13:04

I don't know- maybe someone has a recommendation? I changed out all PCV components and even cleaned the passages into the engine was well as cleaning out the EGR (thoroughly), but still no big difference. I get no codes and the car runs great otherwise.

xb corp · Post by **xb corp** » 21 Oct 2009, 18:46

hey guys..
i have been seeing many 850s with this problem, especially the turbo ones. but instead of PCV or EGR systems fault, i am looking at other possibility.

why is there oil vapor/ smoke?
possibly because the oil is boiling, right? the temp of the oil could be exceeding 150C, so it starts to boil and cause smoke.

primarily we can say that the PCV is clogged so there is no proper circulation/ suction of the smoke off the engine internal. but what if the PCV is new? and there is still smoke?

so the next step is checking the engine cooling system.
first, make sure that your coolant passage is cleared, especially the thermostat and water pumps. next is the water circulation at the turbo.
then, you can check the engine oil cooler (for turbo only). the hoses on the right side of the radiator. changing oil frequently or changing with oil with higher boiling point could also solve this problem.

mine is 312,000km and upgraded to a bigger turbo which contributes "hotter" oil circulation, but no smoke. neither from dipstick, nor the oil filler cap.
on mineral Pennzoil API SM grade 20W-50 and Mann filter every 5000km.