2005 S60 PCV system preventative maintenance?

Tim_05_S60_NonTurbo · Post by **Tim_05_S60_NonTurbo** » 22 Sep 2013, 11:49

Hello Everyone,

It has been noted that the PCV systems supplied with our valued Volvo's is a week link in the engines long term efficient operation. Causing engine leaks due to back pressure build up when the PVC system blocks.

Does any one have or use any preventative maintenance techniques to minimize or stop the system from plugging as mileage builds on cars?

draser · Post by **draser** » 22 Sep 2013, 17:06

As you know, the PCV circulates the engine blow-by back to the intake. The amount of engine blow-by is based on the condition of the engine, driving style, etc. So if you change oil regularly, use good quality gas and drive moderately hard, chances are PCV will last a while. How long is a while you'll find out with the glove test when you change oil. Ultimately PCV is something we have to live with. It's not only Volvos, it's all modern cars/engines. The difference is Volvo made it a project to replace.

Tim_05_S60_NonTurbo · Post by **Tim_05_S60_NonTurbo** » 22 Sep 2013, 18:40

Draser,

Please explain the glove test?
I've been around, but never heard about the glove test and engine oils...

Regards.

Tim_05_S60_NonTurbo · Post by **Tim_05_S60_NonTurbo** » 22 Sep 2013, 22:05

Oh yeah the glove test on the internal oil breather system that you can't see...got it!

Great stuff man...I'm falling of my chair and pis...ing my pants in laughter!

Other than the glove test, your advise and insight is perfect. I was hoping by starting this thread the seafom and engine oil additive users would surface and tell us about their long term additive experiences. I always enjoy an STP story now and again...guess no fun this Sunday.

Great website and knowledge base everyone has here. I enjoy reading and learned a lot about my first Volvo S60.

covert24 · Post by **covert24** » 23 Sep 2013, 08:16

Do I dare say it?.......

MMO.....

Just slap a water balloon/glove over the dipstick and see what it does. If it inflates it then its time to prepare for a nightmare. If it sucks it in slightly, think of it as dodging a bullet

Magnus308 · Post by **Magnus308** » 23 Sep 2013, 09:33

Tim_05_S60_NonTurbo wrote:Hello Everyone,

It has been noted that the PCV systems supplied with our valued Volvo's is a week link in the engines long term efficient operation. Causing engine leaks due to back pressure build up when the PVC system blocks.

Does any one have or use any preventative maintenance techniques to minimize or stop the system from plugging as mileage builds on cars?

As already mentioned you can do the baloon test but it also helps keeping your system from clogging if you keep the banjo nipple under the intake clean.
On the turbo equipped cars there is usually a banjonipple with a ball valve, I removed mine and put it in a ultrasonic cleaner to make sure that the ball can move without restriction.
If it becomes stuck the pcv system will not work.
When the banjo nipple is removed you can take a plastic wire to push inside the PCV tubings to make sure there is no blockages in them.

Last step is to blow carefully with compressed air into the tubing and you will hear if it comes bubbles in the oiltray then you know that the lower port on the oiltrap is not blocked.
There is no way to know if this port is blocked or not with the baloon test.
NOTE!! If you use compressed air so use just a low pressure and make sure that the oilstick and oilcap is REMOVED before you do it otherwise you can destroy something.

Use a highquality fullsynthethic oil and change it atleast once per year / 10 000 miles and you will keep your system in good shape.
A long highway drive sometimes is also good to keep the system clean from condensation if the car is usually only driven short distances.

Tim_05_S60_NonTurbo · Post by **Tim_05_S60_NonTurbo** » 23 Sep 2013, 18:41

Magnus308,

Excellent advise especially your last two paragraphs
" Use a high quality full synthetic oil and change it at least once per year / 10 000 miles and you will keep your system in good shape.
A long highway drive sometimes is also good to keep the system clean from condensation if the car is usually only driven short distances."

I would like to add to the oil change frequency. Most people do not know or realize the affects and how much condensate can build up in your cars oil sump. The primary cause of oil slug is this condensate and more frequent oil changes are necessary. Short trips especially in a cold climate kills your oil.

I keep my cars for an average of 15 years and I've been driving for 38 years...that's right I'm only on my 3rd car in my life time. If you plan to keep your cars and run them to the ground and you drive short trips < 20 miles / day. Change your engine oil by timed duration and not by mileage, example every 5 to 6 months max if petroleum based oil (regular oil) is used. If full synthetic oil is used 9 to 12 months max. Y'all can pay me later...

JMTCW...

Regards

Magnus308 · Post by **Magnus308** » 24 Sep 2013, 04:12

Tim_05_S60_NonTurbo wrote:Other than the glove test, your advise and insight is perfect. I was hoping by starting this thread the seafom and engine oil additive users would surface and tell us about their long term additive experiences. I always enjoy an STP story now and again...guess no fun this Sunday

I have for years laughed about the STP users but i have actually found something much worse on the additive market.. Tam-Ta-Taa.. Lucas oil stabilizer

We are lucky in europe that this crap is not available here... But i frequently see its mentioned in american car forums and that many people use it in new cars

Tim_05_S60_NonTurbo · Post by **Tim_05_S60_NonTurbo** » 24 Sep 2013, 09:11

Magnus308,

Definitely oil and fuel additives here in the USA are big business. You can find them at corner stores and auto parts suppliers have multiple shelves stocked full of the stuff.
Hopefully I will be able to afford and purchase new cars and avoid poor maintenance practices by the previous owners…