1997 850 Problems after Change to Synthetic Oil

[abscate]

Your question about paying for diagnosing is a tough one.

The profession is not one where, to be fair, a good mechanic will never misdiagnose your cars' fault. It's fair for you to have to pay for this time as it represents real labour hours which aren't fungible. Parts are more arguablely less fair to charge unless you get the proverbial...".I'll try this and see if it works" with your approval.

None of this is worth litigating though, just get out.

Old guy rant.

There are fewer real mechanics now. Cars have gotten so good that a shop can survive replacing brakes, mufflers, light bulbs, and front end alignments. The pretty much expect you to trade it in when your seals start going. As you have found out, a 6 dollar seal beats a new car payment.

[plumsmooth]

So many people have been shafted for so much more so many more times but for some reason after today: Seeing a Man's unwillingness to even acknowledge the possibility of a connection between abrupt Synthetic oil change and these leaking seals really pisses me off...

I told him several times that even -- would you believe -- the Vermont Volvo Dealership recommended against that change on older cars. He still -- even after me personally showing him with a flashlight the oil on the other rear cam seal [over the cam sensor], can not acknowledge the possibility that this decision that was made may not have been the right one...

I guess he still wants to believe it is a complete coincidence!

I personally performed the Glove test for him and he said that after working on Volvos for 30 years he'd never seen that test...

I paid him 100 dollars toward the suspension work he decided to move on to and owe him another 76 dollars but I am so pissed off right now that I may take the remaining $76 to small claims court!
Yes I have given in to his decisions before -- and this might effect the Judge -- but his time after an unresolved issue, he decided to move on to other work.. Bull shit...

Meanwhile...

Currently I feel sick smelling burning oil and exhaust while driving down the block...

Some of the oil from the Intake Exhaust Cam shaft Seal may be remaining.

However, there may be also fresh oil coming from the Exhaust Cam Seal?

And, in addition, there may be fumes from the finally degrade PCV system as the result of a TOO quick engine cleaning...

No worries as daylight getting longer -- me order insulated coveralls and the PCV kit and kick some ass!

Moderator please close this thread at 64 posts...

This will help me redirect anger toward fixing car and spiritual healing...
I only hope I provide some entertainment with my Inner Poet style writing...?

I do not deserve the right to vent my anger here any longer...

However if you allow me I promise to make it worthwhile!

Thanks again...

[abscate]

How did you make out plum? Warmer weather is here, so its easier to fix stuff outside now!

[E Showell]

Not warm in Vermont yet, Steve. Give it about another six weeks.

[plumsmooth]

Thanks Guys for checking in over here. Long winter this year. Good Timing though; I was just thinking about ordering my PCV kit as I see forecasts up to 60 Degrees in the very near future. I have been running me Volvo gingerly with no dipstick in place to vent crankcase. But I do not like the fumes that are present when standing or idling and now with Windows down I think I can smell a little fumes too. My camshaft seal replacement has held and the good news is I have no visible oil leak whatsoever leading me to believe that my RMS remained unharmed. It is probably about time to start addressing some other issues and I will be looking into getting set up with the Software and a long cable to try and incorporate my Macintosh into the diagnostic process. That's it for now happy spring...