Oil marks the spot!!

obayha · Post by **obayha** » 17 Jan 2011, 17:18

I am starting to mark my driveway... a lot.. Can't see from where, but it is on the drivers side. A mechanic friend said cam sensor or distributor or something else in that area. I am trying to find something in here about replacing the o rings on these items. If anyone can lead me to the right post, I get to tear back into my motor and try and save money. The mech said about $200.00 for the fix so I figure it is more labor to remove stuff, than it is to fix or replace the parts.
Any help???
Thanks

Post by **jblackburn** » 17 Jan 2011, 17:26

Is this a turbo model S70 (GLT or T5)?

If not, the cam seals are very easy to get to without removing much at all. The distributor one is similar - just remove the cap & rotor and you'll expose it. Figure out where the oil is coming from first, and then why. Usually cam seals blowing out is due to a clogged PCV system - pull out the oil dipstick at idle on a warm engine & check for smoke puffing out of the opening.

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/2009/1 ... s-of-pics/

obayha · Post by **obayha** » 17 Jan 2011, 17:41

More info. and thanks for the quick reply.
V70-T5 with 237,000 miles. I did the PCV three times not to long ago,... (slow learner), but I believe got it right on the third try.
Had it towed to the shop about a month ago, and found out the cam sensor went bad. Cracked while I was doing something else it that area. Anyway the leak started shortly after that. Wondering if a new o ring was put in or it just started somewhere else. What o rings do I need to have on hand the day I start to do this. The cam sensor and distributor and is there anything else in that area??
Everything has been running good for about 3,000 mile or more, so I don't think it's the PCV.
Thanks

Post by **Pauloil** » 17 Jan 2011, 17:52

they make dye you can put in oils. clean up everything well and see if you can tell where leak is. if not, the dye may help--it shines greenish color under black light.

Post by **jblackburn** » 17 Jan 2011, 17:53

It's also possible that it's the turbo oil return line. At that mileage, just about anything is fair game - these engines will leak oil anywhere they possibly can, but it's not necessarily a cause for concern; just the way they are. Before you order anything, you need to get up under the car with a flashlight and see where it's coming from. My T5 sits low to the ground - I can't crawl under it without ramps or driving up on a (low) curb/sidewalk. I don't know if your V70 is the same way or not. I bought a set of Rhino ramps from Autozone for $30, and they are one of the best tool investments I've made.

If it is leaking from behind the turbo intake hose or distributor area, you will just need the REAR cam seals and that's it. If it is the turbo return line (evident by looking directly at the fat tube on the bottom of the turbo) you will just need the oil return line gasket and an allen wrench.

I'd recommend going OEM (dealer, Tasca Parts, or MyVolvoPartsOnline) for these parts. The aftermarket stuff the others sell in place of them just isn't as good.

obayha · Post by **obayha** » 17 Jan 2011, 18:59

Do you think this is a jack stand kind of fix, or pay the bucks and let the pros have a crack at it? I like to do my own stuff, when I can, and will probably buy the gaskets and o rings and tear into it this weekend. If it waste a few dollars, that's not bad. Worst I can do is take it all apart, not fix anything, put it back together, and then take it to the mech. Is there anything on here to show how to?? In the banana world... One, two, three or more...???
Thanks so much for the responce.
I did try and degrease the affected area, but couldn't get to it to good. Guess I should strip it down, clean it up, put the dye in, put it back together, drive it, tear it down, drag out my 1972 black 4 foot light and look for the leak. I think I will maybe go with plan "A". Strip down, replace things, put back together and hope for the best.
I will use OEM parts. University Volvo knows me all to well.
Thanks

instarx · Post by **instarx** » 18 Jan 2011, 00:38

Jack stands wouldn't be necessary, but ramps would be very handy.

obayha · Post by **obayha** » 18 Jan 2011, 10:31

Got the jack stands last year for christmas. They keep me from bending over to far into the engine and make it easier to look under the car for the dropped parts... Hope to look into the leak this weekend. Still not sure what I am getting into.

DelM01 · Post by **DelM01** » 18 Jan 2011, 13:08

You might just check to make sure the oil fill cap gasket isn't leaking-I had an oil leak recently and where the oil eventually came out and where it originated from (the filler cap) were not near each other- and it was not obvious as the way it leaked was not easily visible even with the top plug shield removed- well just a thought and an inexpensive repair

Post by **Pauloil** » 18 Jan 2011, 20:49

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... =1&t=24925