98 V70r PCV Repair - Still blowing smoke

Post by **chexny** » 29 Mar 2014, 09:06

I had an independent Volvo repair do a PCV repair. When I brought it in the mechanic said he thought the issue was bad (looking at the dipstick smoke and removing the oil fill call and holding his hand over it) but not awful and it could wait a bit. However we went ahead and did it anyway.

Well I got it home and did the dipstick test and there was still smoke blowing - I checked just after starting it in the morning. I then did the glove test on the oil fill cap and it inflated pretty much immediately. Then I took a short drive, got the car up to temp and check the dipstick and it was a mini-tornado of smoke. Did I get completely ripped off? I can barely tell the difference from before bringing it it. Assuming the mechanic did the proper job, am I am looking at a bigger issue.

here is what the invoice read under service: "Engine Breather system Restricted, Remove Intake Manifold, Replace Oil trap, clean passage in engine block, replace vac. hose's listed". He has a bunch of gaskets and hoses listed in the parts section but he also did the steering rack so I am not sure which ones apply here.

Post by **erikv11** » 29 Mar 2014, 09:26

The invoice reads like the mechanic knew to do the right things. I wonder if the hoses on the oil trap got hooked up backwards. Also, there could be really bad blowby (compression escaping past the piston rings); you can test that by checking compression. But it is very rare in these cars.

Post by **rspi** » 29 Mar 2014, 09:28

Do a compression test. If the motor is worn, that will also cause blowby.

Post by **chexny** » 29 Mar 2014, 19:29

Thanks. The car did run for a few miles once with the oil light on. It flashed on and went away. I drove home (i know i know i know) .. a gasket or seal blew and it is was fixed without any more driving. But that was a couple years ago and there was no noticeable issue since.

I will try to check the compression after speaking with the mechanic.

Also, just rereading my post, couple of points - the mechanic definitely knows what he is doing. He runs a Volvo-only shop. And I definitely think he is honest and fair. I was just shocked to see the same issue.

Post by **MoVolvos** » 29 Mar 2014, 19:53

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It's been two years since I did the PCV but if I remember correctly if the PTC is not cleaned you still can have a smoking problem? Depending on the temp and mileage you can switch over to a 5W-40 such as Shell Rotella T6 to eliminate blow by.

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... =1&t=36184

Mine has close to 250K and continues to have a little smoke from the Dipstick but no more out of the exhaust. The Air Tube and Turbo Hoses are all dry also.

Blessings,

BKM
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Post by **chexny** » 09 Apr 2014, 06:32

quick update. I just gave it some more time (mechanics suggestion) and the dipstick is not blowing white smoke anymore.

Post by **rspi** » 09 Apr 2014, 07:34

That doesn't mean that you don't have head pressure. Did you do the glove test?

The deal is, if you have head pressure, you can blow oil seals. You really need to make sure you don't have pressure building in the motor.

Post by **chexny** » 09 Apr 2014, 16:57

I did the glove test. It didn't inflate until I revved the engine a bit. Even then it inflated but wasn't standing right up fully inflated. I think I'm good there for now. I will keep an eye on it.