2003 S60 Oil pan seals and gaskets

[Urabus]

Hi all. I am replacing the oil pan gaskets and seals in my 2.5 turbo AWD. I am doing them all, dipstick, pick up tube, cooler, pan, pump, turbo, etc. There is a square channel in the oil pan that was full of crud, I put the pan in a parts washer and cleaned it out. This square channel is on the right hand side of the pan if you are looking at it as if you where standing at the front of the motor. the square channel seems to go up into the engine block and I have cleaned this out also but it seems as if it is dead end. My question is, What is this channel for? Is it some type of return from the head? Do I need to seal it with gasket goop? To me it appears that it has some type of purpose. Please help me out here, I am lost and this is my last obstacle before I reinstall the engine.

[oragex]

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... 0&p=292089

Being there, check each rod bearings for clearance, check if rod #5 looks darker compared to others - sign the crude got into the bearing causing more or less damage (play), especially if you got an oil pressure light

[Urabus]

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... 0&p=292089

Being there, check each rod bearings for clearance, check if rod #5 looks darker compared to others - sign the crude got into the bearing causing more or less damage (play), especially if you got an oil pressure light

Figured out that the channel goes to the PCV. I took it off and totally cleaned the port out and ordered a new oil trap.
When you say check the number 5 rod bearing do you mean the bearing cap or taking the cap off and checking the actual bearing?

[oragex]

Just push on the rod to feel for play in the bearing. It's usually the #5 that fails first from engine sludge in the pan.