1996 S850 Wagon Oil Cap problems and slow leak

MareJanee7 · Post by **MareJanee7** » 04 Dec 2009, 10:50

1996 S850 Wagon has a small, slow oil leak. I use the European full synthetic oil. Mechanics that work on car are Volvo/BMW/VW Certified. I was told it is easier to just watch the oil and keep extra on hand. The last 2 oil changes, had to replace the oil cap = seal was broken and last week advised oil was sprayed all over the engine. I cannot get the new cap off to add oil and it was down to the top line this morning. Do I need a special tool to take off the cap or is there another place to pour in the oil?

MareJanee7

Post by **billofdurham** » 04 Dec 2009, 10:56

Welcome to Matthew's Volvo Site.

Can you confirm the year and model of your vehicle, please? The S80 didn't appear until 1999 and is a saloon (sedan).

Bill.

MareJanee7 · Post by **MareJanee7** » 04 Dec 2009, 11:00

Thank you. Sorry for the typo.
MareJanee7

MareJanee7 · Post by **MareJanee7** » 04 Dec 2009, 11:40

I called the mechanics and was told just to get a rag and put some muscle behind it turning counter-clockwise. Also that is the place to add oil.

Post by **billofdurham** » 04 Dec 2009, 12:08

They are correct about the oil cap needing muscle but where is the oil leak? I believe that oil is supposed to be in the engine not "sprayed all over the engine".

Did this spraying occur because of the bad seal in the cap? Has the new cap/seal stopped the leak?

I was told it is easier to just watch the oil and keep extra on hand.

It is easier for them and, in the short term, easier on your wallet. Oil leaks tend to get worse and you should be asking them where it is coming from or, if they don't know, find someone who does.

Bill.

Post by **jblackburn** » 04 Dec 2009, 12:21

If it continues spraying all over the place on top of the engine once you replaced the gasket, you probably need to clean the PVC system on your car.

MareJanee7 · Post by **MareJanee7** » 04 Dec 2009, 13:08

I have not seen any oil sprayed underneath the hood or over the engine block this week and the mechanic did say the seal was broken on the cap. Once I get the cap off and back on, I'll check daily to watch for any oil where it should not be. Also, I'll find out where the leak is and what it will need and cost to repair the leak. You are correct as I am having to add a little more oil a little more often. Now that I am driving almost three times the number of miles daily may have an affect on it all. Thanks for the heads up about cleaning the PVC System on the car. Is that something I can do or must the mechanics do that?
Thank you very much.
MareJanee7

Post by **jblackburn** » 04 Dec 2009, 13:19

A quick way to check if it needs to be cleaned is to pull out the oil stick once the car is warmed up and running. If you see a think trail of smoke puff out of it, it needs to be cleaned.

It can be done yourself, but it's a pretty involved procedure - you can search for writeups around this site for the procedure. I've been putting mine off until I actually have a good weekend with nothing to do and I won't need my car to get around to it.

As for getting the oil cap off, just get a good grip and twist - I've had to use a rubber bottle opener from the kitchen before to get the gas cap on the lawnmower off before.

MareJanee7 · Post by **MareJanee7** » 04 Dec 2009, 13:28

Thank you. I'll check for the trail of smoke puff.

I'll stop at the hardware store and get a couple of the rubber grips and see if I can get the cap off. Also, need one for the kitchen, just keep forgetting.

This site is fantastic! Thank you all very much.

MareJanee7

mcp · Post by **mcp** » 04 Dec 2009, 20:10

..."it was down to the top line this morning."...

The top line is the full mark. It sounds like there is no need to add oil.

Anywhere between the bottom mark and the top mark means you should be good to drive the car. Perhaps you were overfilling it. I generally keep mine about halfway between the two marks.