1997 850 turbo bad or valve seals?

1volvoguy · Post by **1volvoguy** » 25 Sep 2014, 07:39

I replaced the pcv box when I had the head off as it is under the intake manifold. I didn't know if it needed a new one, I just did it while it was out in the open. 1 thing I didn't mention, I did hook that up wrong, I had the top 2 pipes backwards, so had to remove intake again anyway and put them right. The tubes to it were clear. I think oil got into it in the wrong port due to my mistake with the top 2 hoses.

Post by **jblackburn** » 25 Sep 2014, 11:09

1volvoguy wrote:I replaced the pcv box when I had the head off as it is under the intake manifold. I didn't know if it needed a new one, I just did it while it was out in the open. 1 thing I didn't mention, I did hook that up wrong, I had the top 2 pipes backwards, so had to remove intake again anyway and put them right. The tubes to it were clear. I think oil got into it in the wrong port due to my mistake with the top 2 hoses.

Considering that and the low mileage that you have actually driven the car...I would get it out and run it around, put some mileage on it.

Check for PCV vapors up the dipstick tube on a hot, idling engine. Maybe run some Seafoam through the cylinders, and clean out that intercooler like I mentioned above.

Then after a week or two, come back and evaluate the blue smoke situation. It may be just a lot of previous oil build-up in various parts of the plumbing.

1volvoguy · Post by **1volvoguy** » 16 Oct 2014, 07:26

due to a kitchen remodel I didn't touch the volvo for a few weeks. But I did work on it this week finally. I popped the exhaust pipe off the turbo and checked the turbo shaft for any play. It was quite loose. I pulled the turbo off the car, and with it off you can actually get the compressor wheel to touch the housing because it is so loose. Safe to assume the turbo is playing a big part in my smoke issue. Stupid part of it all, I had the turbo in my hand when I did the head gasket, and never thought to check it. I have worked with diesel turbo engines for years, why I never thought to give the shaft a wiggle is beyond me?? I have to pick up a turbo, and will post again after it is done with some results.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 16 Oct 2014, 07:34

If the impeller got into the housing then replacement is the way to go. They rebuild pretty easy (new bearings and seals) but once the impeller starts grinding on the housing it is cheaper to just get a used turbo and, if necessary, rebuild the replacement.

...Lee

1volvoguy · Post by **1volvoguy** » 18 Oct 2014, 20:00

I picked up a good used turbo for $150. The guy I got it from runs a volvo shop. I'm going to try getting this in tomorrow and hopefully we will be ready to roll!

1volvoguy · Post by **1volvoguy** » 22 Oct 2014, 07:49

I picked up a used turbo from a volvo tech. My turbo was bad. The compressor could touch the housing due to the shaft being so loose. I installed the replacement turbo and it runs like a champ! No more smoke. Good power. Project complete!
With the bad turbo, the car ran fine, and when cold didn't seem to smoke. Once warmed up it smoked like a chimney when it idled. Going down the road or calling for power the smoke cleared up. Come to a stop sign and get fogged with smoke. Take off hard and it would clear up.
Now with the new turbo, runs fine like it should, and no smoke at all at any time. Awesome!

Post by **cn90** » 22 Oct 2014, 08:23

Out of curiosity, how many miles on your bad turbo?
I am wondering about the lifespan of a turbo...

Post by **erikv11** » 22 Oct 2014, 09:32

The overwhelming evidence is that these turbos typically last well beyond 200k. Some fail earlier, true, and you will hear about those, but the vast majority of the ones out there are still spinning like tops, and are well sealed to boot.

obayha · Post by **obayha** » 22 Oct 2014, 09:33

cn90 wrote:Out of curiosity, how many miles on your bad turbo?
I am wondering about the lifespan of a turbo...

He stated in earlier post car had only 156,000 miles, so I assume on the turbo also. That seems like a short life for a turbo, as I checked mine this weekend for end play on the intake side and it felt tight. I'm at 323,000 right now.
Shane

Post by **98FORCED5** » 22 Oct 2014, 10:03

Sounds like a lot of blow by. Smoke from exhaust is product of oil coolant in intake charge. You've eliminated coolant. You should have replaced all the valve train components when head was off I.e. Seals. I understand that's not always possible, for whatever reason.
You've got oil blow by either from seals valve or turbo. Don't start screwing with the turbo unless you know exactly what you're doing, or you'll have bigger problems. Oil in the intercooler tract is NORMAL. you're Gonna have some blow by at that mileage.
You're so deep into it, just rebuild the turbo and the head. Has the head been checked is it warped?
So many possibles here