2003 V70 Major oil leak

jtklein · Post by **jtklein** » 28 Dec 2014, 15:11

I have a 2003 V70 non-turbo with about 250k miles. Recently it developed a rather massive oil leak. It seems to leak more from miles driven rather than from time. In other words if it is sitting or we are doing mostly city driving, leak is nominal. However highway driving, I may lose a half quart an hour. The leak is from the front passenger side and seems to be underneath. Looking underneath it, I can not pinpoint the actual location of the leak. There is also some nominal leakage from the pcv hose next to the #3 cylinder. There also appears to be positive pressure at idle in the crankcase. Also there is oil on the timing belt.

I am just guessing, but it seems as though there is an issue with the pcv, however I heard that pcv issues with non-turbos are essentially non-existent. Is that true? If not, and there are pcv issues, what needs to be replaced and does anyone have a link with how to do that on a non-turbo?

Secondarily, it seems one or more of the seals are leaking. Could that be because of an issue with the pcv? Would fixing the pcv fix an issue with seals leaking or should they be replaced as well?

Any help or experience that anyone can give me is truly appreciated.

Thank you.

Post by **oragex** » 28 Dec 2014, 17:55

jtklein wrote: I heard that pcv issues with non-turbos are essentially non-existent. Is that true? If not, and there are pcv issues, what needs to be replaced and does anyone have a link with how to do that on a non-turbo?

The pcv is just as affected in the non-turbo engine. Pcv life span it's aggraved by short driving distances, mileage and oil quality. I'd be surprised if you car is on the original pcv box, but if it's so, then it's definitely due.

When the pcv box gets clogged, the main engine seal starts leaking, as well as the cam seals (which explains the oil on the timing belt). After a while, the pcv passage in the oil pan also gets clogged and the pan fills up with sludge.

jtklein · Post by **jtklein** » 29 Dec 2014, 09:03

Thank you Oragex. Yep, this is the original pcv. So as I understand it, you are saying it's the box that needs to be replaced. Do you know if the process differs from replacing the pcv on a turbo engine or can I use those instructions?

jtklein · Post by **jtklein** » 29 Dec 2014, 09:47

Ok, it looks like IPD sells complete kits, so that's what I ordered. Thank you for your help

Post by **precopster** » 29 Dec 2014, 14:23

It's not too different from a turbo, just easier with less to disconnect. The IPD kit is very worthwhile and has every item you will need in there down to seals for injectors.

When cleaning the block ports I use twisted thin guage wire of around 5 or 6 strands which is strong enough and flexible enough to ream out the sump port and unblock any carbonised deposits. I also use compressed air on a nozzle. I just completed a PCV service on a 1999 non turbo V70 and got really good suction at the dipstick after having quite strong positive pressure before the job.

Be sure to buy a fuel line disconnect tool; I'm pretty sure that it's a 3/8 size.
The vacuum hoses could also be replaced while you're in there. Most of them get quite chalky and brittle.

By replacing every item in the system you're ensuring the longevity of your motor.

Post by **oragex** » 29 Dec 2014, 15:59

Luckily, in the non turbo it's easier to replace the pcv. No need to disconnect the throttle body from the intake, just disconnect the large rubber hose from it.
The big issue is with the lower left corner intake bolt. I did toss away the power steering pump then used some 1/4" long extension with a 10mm flex-head socket I was able to reach for the bolt. The thermostat housing doesn't need to be removed, but the bolt will pass really close to it. Once the pcv box is out, put a silicone tube on the lower engine port and blow air to hear for bubbles in the oil pan. No bubbles means the oil pan has also to be removed

The leaking seals will need to be replaced as well