1998 V70 GLT - Blown Cam Seal - PCV Clogged

[Seaway]

Like Lee said, just take out the snorkel tube. Using a small screwdriver it is then trivial to reinsert the PTC. Also gives you good access to the vacuum lines down there which may need changing.

It can be difficult to get the PTC clean, usually you need to ream something through the hole (a little circular brush works great), I don't think a shot of carb cleaner from above will do much on the typical gooey/crusty mess but might work if it isn't very dirty. The snorkel is also often full of oil and gunk, you can clean up the whole thing.

I plan on taking the whole thing out. I can then clean everything and replace the vacuum lines to the turbo. I have silicon lines just for this job. Everything is completely covered in oil as well and needs to be cleaned. I probably lost close to a quart of oil when the seal blew. I can reach the line from the TCV to the turbo from underneath the car very easily from what I saw yesterday.

[rspi]

Chances are the PO did not use Volvo parts. I did a couple of PCV jobs before I learned better.

Before you go tearing into the system, do the glove test. Put a glove over the oil filler and start the car. If the glove inflates, there is head pressure, if the glove tries to suck in (it will not) the system is good.

A lot of oil dip sticks smoke when one of the PTC tube elbows tear. The one at the valve or the one at the passenger side of the manifold. If either is torn, replace it and the smoking will stop.

[rspi]

[Seaway]

Chances are the PO did not use Volvo parts. I did a couple of PCV jobs before I learned better.

Before you go tearing into the system, do the glove test. Put a glove over the oil filler and start the car. If the glove inflates, there is head pressure, if the glove tries to suck in (it will not) the system is good.

A lot of oil dip sticks smoke when one of the PTC tube elbows tear. The one at the valve or the one at the passenger side of the manifold. If either is torn, replace it and the smoking will stop.

I watched your video, which is how I was aware of the "glove test" to begin with. The previous owner had the PCV replaced by a Volvo mechanic (who brokered the sale to me) who works at a Volvo dealership. I think the work was done as a side job, however, since the receipts for the parts are from FCP. In going through the car, I have not seen anything that has stood out as aftermarket parts. Everything has been stamped Volvo or Bosch. Which is not to say he didn't cheap out on the PCV.

I will do the glove test before I do anything, just to confirm there is head pressure. I suspect there is as it was after a spirited highway run (where I floored the pedal) that the problem arose. Or perhaps the cam seal was simply ready to go.

Would the PCV being clogged contribute to a somewhat rough (but not hunting) idle and my rather poor fuel mileage (about 15 mpg)?

[rspi]

If the PO ordered the PCV parts from FCP and didn't know better they likely got a kit with mixed parts. It happened to me, so I'm sure it happened to others.

Not really on the idle, however, torn vacuum elbows will.

As for fuel, that's a different rabbit hole to explore. From old ignition parts to dragging brakes to bad driving habits, you will have to work on that. I think the most common is an old worn thermostat, running cold .

[Seaway]

If the PO ordered the PCV parts from FCP and didn't know better they likely got a kit with mixed parts. It happened to me, so I'm sure it happened to others.

Not really on the idle, however, torn vacuum elbows will.

As for fuel, that's a different rabbit hole to explore. From old ignition parts to dragging brakes to bad driving habits, you will have to work on that. I think the most common is an old worn thermostat, running cold .

Looks like I will have a busy Sunday. It is supposed to be a rainy day around here, so I may as well spend it in the garage.