2000 s80 t6 leak in oil pan seal after cylinder head repair

Briandroy · Post by **Briandroy** » 05 Apr 2010, 19:31

Had a spark plug blow out of the cylinder head, after the mechanic removed and machined the cylinder head he could not get the car back together correctly. After nearly two months, setting the timing wrong twice and maxing out his credit cards on new valves and gaskets, he decided to send it to another mechanic who specialized in foreign cars.
The second mechanic was able to fix all $3,700 worth of damage caused by the first mechanic in a week. Meanwhile, I spoke with the second mechanic and he gave me a laundry list of items that were put together incorrectly, to include oil components. I was also informed of metal shavings from the cylinder head in the oil pan and a significant oil leak in the oil pan gasket (there was an oil leak prior to repairs, about 1/4 to a 1/2 quart every 7k-8k miles). In the last 7 days the vehicle has been driven twice, a total of about 70 miles, and has lost 2 quarts of oil.
My question to anyone who can help, is there any correlation between the increased severity of the oil leak and the improper assembly of the cylinder head, timing and other related components along with metal shavings in the oil.

Your help is appreciated.

Post by **vegasjetskier** » 06 Apr 2010, 20:42

Briandroy wrote:Had a spark plug blow out of the cylinder head, after the mechanic removed and machined the cylinder head he could not get the car back together correctly. After nearly two months, setting the timing wrong twice and maxing out his credit cards on new valves and gaskets, he decided to send it to another mechanic who specialized in foreign cars.
The second mechanic was able to fix all $3,700 worth of damage caused by the first mechanic in a week. Meanwhile, I spoke with the second mechanic and he gave me a laundry list of items that were put together incorrectly, to include oil components. I was also informed of metal shavings from the cylinder head in the oil pan and a significant oil leak in the oil pan gasket (there was an oil leak prior to repairs, about 1/4 to a 1/2 quart every 7k-8k miles). In the last 7 days the vehicle has been driven twice, a total of about 70 miles, and has lost 2 quarts of oil.
My question to anyone who can help, is there any correlation between the increased severity of the oil leak and the improper assembly of the cylinder head, timing and other related components along with metal shavings in the oil.

Your help is appreciated.

There should be no correlation. The pan is bolted on separately and has its own seal.

Where exactly is the leak on the pan? If it's on the back by the black plastic box, you may just need new seals for that box (the oil cooler).

If the leak is actually the pan seal, the mechanic will have to drop the oil pan, clean the surfaces, then reseal it. You might as well have him put in a new set of o-rings and clean out all the metal shavings while he's got it apart.

Briandroy · Post by **Briandroy** » 07 Apr 2010, 06:26

I have tried to look under the car and find the leak to no avail. I have an appointment tomorrow at the dealership (who has had nothing to do with this thus far) to pinpoint the leak. Guess I will wait and see what they say.
Thanks for your help, I will keep you posted.

Briandroy · Post by **Briandroy** » 08 Apr 2010, 11:40

Just got back from Volvo, I was told that there are two leaks. One of the leaks is in the oil trap seals in the PCV system, the mechanic showed me the a black box in the front of the engine were the leak is originating. The second is in the turbo drain seals, were I was advised that those components are handled during this type of repair. The mechanic also told me that the nature of the leaks would in fact appear as if they are coming from the oil pan.
The new question is, how does the PCV box and turbo seals fit into this picture? The oil was not leaking before and is now leaking, to quote the dealer, "at a pretty good clip." I have driven the car about 240 miles since the repair and have put over 3 quarts of oil in it.

I appreciate your help and opinions.

Post by **JDS60R** » 08 Apr 2010, 12:29

I can see where at least the turbo would be effected. Either way you are dealing with a few leaks that can be repaired with a semi novice mechanic. The turbo seal is just removed and replaced. The hard part is getting to it. There are write ups here and on http://www.volvospeed for this repair. The PCV/flametrap assembly is a common failure point and there are losts of wirite ups including a recent one from a moderator. In this repair you must remove the intake manifold and replace several hoses and a collection box. There is also a hose end called a PTC on some of the cars that must be cleaned/replaced.

Cost for all of the parts you need in under $250 . Labor would run about 5 hours for a local mechanic or a wekend for a first time at home mechanic .

Your profile doesn't show us your location. The brotherhood/sisterhood of Volvo owners is very strong. I help my local fellow owners with free advice and a second set of skilled hands when they want to do repairs at their , or my, home.

Where is the car loacted?

Briandroy · Post by **Briandroy** » 08 Apr 2010, 12:53

Thank you for your input, it is very helpful. The car is located near Grand Rapids Michigan.

Post by **JDS60R** » 08 Apr 2010, 13:01

I was up there a few months ago. Hopefully someone local will chime in.

Are you attempting to do these repairs yourself or just have someone do them for you?

Briandroy · Post by **Briandroy** » 08 Apr 2010, 15:46

I am having the dealership do it.