1996 960 Volvo Oil and/or flame trap

davolvo · Post by **davolvo** » 25 Sep 2013, 14:05

Hello,

Well I just replaced the radiator, hoses and back brake system. I got new tires today, was taking off and "poof" black smoke from the tail pipe. I was told it could be the oil/flame trap?? Maybe I should just sell it? I am putting over $300 a month into it now. It has 204,069 miles but I like it so much! Also does anyone know where the transmission dip stick is and where the fluid goes? Thanks for helping me.

Post by **bskeels** » 25 Sep 2013, 17:53

The dipstick for the transmission is on the driver's side, it is very short, you will need a 1/2" drive extension (18" to 24") to get to it, rotate the extension a quarter turn and the stick will be free of the clip. (see attached pictures)

: 1/2" drive extension in dipstick

: transmission dip stick

I find that a transmission funnel with the tube works the best as far as topping off the transmission, but I do usually have to put the far end in the tranny tube from under the car. Hopefully this helps with the transmission questions.

danr960 · Post by **danr960** » 25 Sep 2013, 22:55

How is it running, is it just the black smoke when you goosed it? When was the last time you did that?
Could be dust and soot in the exhaust system that was blown out, try it again a few times and see if it diminishes.

DanR '94 964 378,000 miles (153,000 on the new engine)

davolvo · Post by **davolvo** » 26 Sep 2013, 06:20

Wow, so are Volvo owners not really meant to check the tranny fluid?

Yes, I only noticed the smoke once but I am leaking oil. I have replaced the oil cap and gasket AND one time my oil cap blew off! Is it the flame trap that I should check first? All in all my car runs like a charm, I just want to stay on top of the oil leak. Thanks for your help.

lindy8_man · Post by **lindy8_man** » 26 Sep 2013, 18:02

Right, check on the flame trap. There is a lot of discussion on the boards about throwing them out... that the later models don't need them. I would suggest reading through the forums to decide if that is something you want to do or if you just want to clean it. One way to tell if you are having a problem there is to pull the oil dip stick after you have driven home. Watch for gray smoke coming from the tube.

Don't give in and sell her! She is still young at 200K!

davolvo · Post by **davolvo** » 27 Sep 2013, 06:45

Oh, I don't plan on selling anytime soon but as a single parent these repairs are getting a little spendy, well a lot spendy. So I am guessing a mechanic will know where the flame trap is? I like working on my car when I can but I have seriously never heard of a flame trap. I will pull the dip stick after I get to work this a.m. to see if there is any gray smoke. Thanks for the advice!

Post by **bskeels** » 27 Sep 2013, 08:37

The Flame trap is connected to the throttle body intake tube (in picture just to the left of the dip stick)
It is in the black round housing

lindy8_man · Post by **lindy8_man** » 27 Sep 2013, 12:34

Here is a guide on cleaning the Flame Trap offered on another thread by Bill

davolvo · Post by **davolvo** » 30 Sep 2013, 08:01

You are all awesome, thank you so much!