1997 Volvo GLT Is oil on the turbo normal?

52like · Post by **52like** » 18 Jan 2014, 22:07

One year ago, I spent $1700.00 on stopping the oil leaks in my Volvo. The engine was pulled. Now, I have been told twice there is an oil leak again. But, I check the oil regularly and it doesn't need any at all and I don't see puddles on the garage floor anymore, either. The turbo is functioning beautifully as a result of the work I had done. Is it normal to have some oil on the turbo, or is it a given that a repair is needed?

Thank you for any advice on this matter.

Post by **rspi** » 18 Jan 2014, 22:19

Yes it is normal. As long as it is not dripping while running.

Post by **erikv11** » 18 Jan 2014, 23:39

Agreed.

Post by **QuirkySwede** » 18 Jan 2014, 23:54

Well "$1,700" doesn't tell us what was done, but there's nothing wrong figuring out where it's coming from. Pull the oil cap and feel the seal with your fingernail. If it's plastic like or indented much, not rubbery, replace it (cheap). Rear exhaust cam seal is one I'd keep an eye. I'd clean properly it down and monitor.

Post by **MoVolvos** » 18 Jan 2014, 23:58

_

When I purchased my 98 S70 T5 with 231K in Jan 2012 you can soak an entire blue paper towel of motor oil from the Turbo inlet side. Now it is just a little sticky film no oil (Sept 2013 Photo - 244K). I was working on the small Turbo coolant hose upstream and had to remove the Banjo.

The engine oil was black and transmission fluid coffee with a hint of silver cream. Used this (1) for about for a month or two with Chevron 10W-40 Dino and then switched to (2) in 15W-40.

(1) http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/sho ... _pg6.htm#2

(2) http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/sho ... co_pg8.htm

After 6 months the white puff at start up was gone. If the blue shop paper towel is pulling up oil as you insert it all the way in with a long thin screw driver than it is losing oil and not normal.

Blessings,

BKM
_

Post by **cn90** » 19 Jan 2014, 10:20

Most of the time the oil seen at the bottom of the turbo system is from the PCV, worse with clogged PCV...

52like · Post by **52like** » 19 Jan 2014, 12:32

Here is the list of parts for the $1700 of work done on my GLT. Maybe there is something missing that is glaringly obvious: timing belt, tensioner bearing, hydraulic tensioner, front crankshaft seal, timing idler or pulley, camshaft seal, water pump mounting gasket, water pump, rear main seal, automatic transmission front pump seal, output shaft seal, turbo coolant in and out, turbo oil drain gasket, oil inlet oil ring, breather tube assembly, cooler o ring, hose clamp, sealing ring - oil cooler, crush washer - turbo, dip stick seal.

The work was done in December, 2012. In June, 2013 the same mechanic told me the turbo needs to be replaced. Every time I go to a mechanic about something else, they tell me I have an oil leak, but I see no evidence of it. I live in a small town and I happen to be a retired woman with limited knowledge. Should I go to the Volvo dealer 100 miles away for a definitive answer?

I will look at the oil cap. Thank you.

Post by **burnout8488** » 19 Jan 2014, 19:58

Sometimes it seeps out of the intake pipe going to the turbo, as a result of not being tightened, or the PTC valve leaking oil out from the PCV system. It can leak down the pipe, and appear on the bottom of the turbo.

It's completely possible to eliminate these leaks with a new fresh air pipe that isolates the PCV vapors to the intake tract. That, and rear cam seals are a common culprit for this.

My S70 is totally dry after a turbo rebuild, and all new seals. Kind of nice seeing that dry shiny turbo up there when I crawl under!