Burning Oil?

upstate NY · Post by **upstate NY** » 29 Jan 2011, 15:34

So I took my 850 in to get the check engine light reset. The tech said it smelled like it was burning oil. My oil level is right where it is suppose to be. I just changed my oil 3 weeks ago. When I changed it the oil was fairly black, but I had also just bought the vehicle, so I am unsure when the oil was actually changed last. What causes the engine to burn oil, if this is the case???? Thanks for any input!

SeaMike · Post by **SeaMike** » 29 Jan 2011, 15:39

Burning or leaking? 850 rarely burn a lot of oil, most is leaded out by a clogged Oil Trap/Flame system.

Post by **Red-Arrow** » 29 Jan 2011, 15:50

Oil Burning happens when the engines blocks bore or piston rings are worn down enough to allow oil to pass into the combustion camber. The piston rings have oil separator rings and even these wear down in time. Certain things make this happen faster like bore wash. This happens when the engine is running rich constantly, under a vacuum leak or faulty thermostat valve.

If your engine is burning oil it would show up in your smog report. You can use a thicker grade engine oil or you can replace the piston rings. This looks like a very easy job on the Volvo as you just need to drop the sump and pull the rods from below.

I think most owners live with these small problems as they do not cause any problems right away. My Volvo burns around a quart ever 2000 miles maybe more or less as I haven't been able to measure it correctly.

I say don't worry unless its pumping out black smog and your Uncle Buck going to pick up to brothers kids.

Post by **jblackburn** » 29 Jan 2011, 16:19

Valve stem seals are a common problem with these engines at idle.

The oil cap seal can leak all over the top of the engine and down on the exhaust.

A clogged PCV system or loose PCV hose can create that smell as well.

upstate NY · Post by **upstate NY** » 29 Jan 2011, 20:57

When doing my tune up in noticed oil in the troughs around the spark plug caps, so I am certain the PCV is next of the list. I just really wish I had the time and tools to do it myself. I am assuming the job is around $500? I love my Volvo, she's worth it!

Post by **jblackburn** » 29 Jan 2011, 21:03

I was quoted something like that. The PCV kit is about $100, so you save yourself a bunch of money!

Don't replace the oil cap seal until you get the PCV taken care of, or it will start letting pressure out of other, worse places.