98 V70 120K miles non turbo leak

[98v70dad]

I was doing some under hood and under the car work on my 98 V70 and noticed there is at least one leak. It is on the passenger side. This coincides with the oil being 1.5 to 2 quarts low last time I changed it and my coolant level drops about 1/2 a quart a year. The car doesn't produce any smoke when running or on start up. I have noticed oil all over the flange at the fill cap and around the fill cap on the outside so I plan to replace that seal for sure. There is some sort of fluid on the inboard end of the unit (ac compressor ?) directly below the alternator.

I also have evidence of some coolant seepage (corrosion) at the fitting located at the aft end of the upper radiator hose where it bolts on at the top of the engine. One of the torx bolts on that fitting is tough to tighten because it is directly below a metal run of tubing.

So, I've identified two possible (probably definite)sources of a fluid leaks on my car. The leaks seem to be high up enough on the engine and slow enough that they never make it to dripping on the driveway. Are there any other common leak sources in this area of the car?

[dosbricks]

When was your PCV system last changed out? If it's clogged, crankcase pressure may be forcing oil out around the filler cap and/or the hose that snakes up through the manifold to the top of the engine. If that is so, then you are in the very lucky phase before a much-harder-to-repair engine seal blows out. If the PCV is good, then replace the filler cap gasket.

[jblackburn]

Remove the front cover to the timing belt (it's one screw, you won't mess anything up) and make sure that the timing belt isn't covered in oil. An oil covered-belt is prone to disintegrating while you drive down the road.

Agree - check the PCV system and consider replacing coolant hoses (it's probably time).

[98v70dad]

The heater hoses were replaced last year and the hose to the overflow tank is also new. The upper and lower radiator hoses are probably both original, but my plan was to replace the radiator in the fall and the hoses at that time. I don't have a feel for how long the radiator lasts, but in other cars i've owned 15 years is usually about it if the fluid wasn't changed. The heater core blew 2 years ago, so it may be time to do proactively replace the radiator. What do you guys think?

[98v70dad]

I would expect the PCV system needs an overhaul also. I need to have enough time with the car to accomplish that one. Are any of the aftermarket kits any good? I've read that some of them do not last long. I've only put about 18 K miles on the car since I bought it 6 years ago. The previous owner was not maintenance oriented but he didn't completely neglect the car...he only fixed things when they broke though.

[98v70dad]

Good idea about the timing belt. I wouldn't have thought of that. I don't think i have a big leak, as the locations I mentioned aren't bathed in oil, its just a little. But it shouldn't be that way and i want to fix it before it gets worse and leads to additional damage.

I checked the timing belt after dinner and its as dry as a bone. I think I'll check on the PCV system next. I looked for it and it didn't jump out at me.. I know there's a thread on it here so I'm going to consult that.

[98v70dad]

Still looking for other ideas. I got some good suggestions, but I could use some more input. Thanks.