1998 Volvo V70 AWD - Dipstick still smoking after PCV change

thedawgfather · Post by **thedawgfather** » 22 Feb 2015, 19:11

I need some help. I've had smoke coming from my dipstick tube and oil filler hole, enough to blow my dipstick out and inflate a rubber glove over the oil filler hole. I'm trying to be pro-active and get my positive crankcase ventilation right so that I don't put too much pressure on other seals. So, of course I started by replacing my PCV system with a PCV Kit from iPD or FCP which didn't improve the ventilation at all judging by the smoking continuing from the dipstick tube and the oil filler hole. I then modified the system based on a post I read and increased the stock hose diameter from 3/8 to 7/8. I though after modifying the hose diameter that there would be no way that the smoke would continue, but it did. Yes I've cleaned the PTC. And when I replaced the oil separator box, I put a hose on the lower hole into the engine block, leading to the oil pan and blew into it and felt no resistance and heard bubbles from the oil pan. I believe I fished a zip tie (flexible plastic) down the hole as well and felt no resistance. I even built a snorkel out of my oil filler cap, by drilling a hole through the oil filler cap and running a tube up to the windshield under the hood, but I even get little sprays of oil out of the snorkel tube (the tube is about 2 feet long). I don't believe that this engine has an EGR valve because I don't see one, but would appreciate a definitive answer on that if anyone knows. I also just had my emissions tested and almost failed because of high NOx GPMs.

I was just really hoping that someone with more knowledge than I would be able to tell me that, "hey, you forgot to check this hose or that hose"

This engine has a turbo and I have no idea if any hoses going to or coming from the turbo might be clogged or if they contribute to the PCV system at all.

I just am looking for any help!

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 22 Feb 2015, 19:44

It sounds like you have been thorough on servicing the PCV so I guess you need to look beyond it. Have you done a compression test? You could have excessive blow by from worn cylinders and/or bad ring(s). A compression test should tell you more.

...Lee

Post by **erikv11** » 23 Feb 2015, 00:37

thedawgfather wrote:... I don't believe that this engine has an EGR valve because I don't see one, but would appreciate a definitive answer on that if anyone knows. ...

Confirmed: this engine does not have EGR.

For whatever 7/8 hose you used from the oil separator box: Are you certain it is not kinked? There is a chance for trouble there if you use a hose that does not have a pre-formed 90 degree bend. Just trying to cover all bases.

No check engine light on?

Post by **rspi** » 23 Feb 2015, 02:57

Smoking dipstick is not an issue, is the engine still inflating the glove at the oil fill? If so, like Lee suggest, a compression test is due.

shevolvo45 · Post by **shevolvo45** » 23 Feb 2015, 03:59

Wow....I posted this issue of smoke coming out of my dipstick tube and oil filler cap about two months ago but didn't get much help either...got one helpful video link response though......After some research I thought it was the PCV system also...and was preparing to buy the parts at FCP ahead of time to save mechanic fees....fortunately my money was needed else where so I put off purchasing the parts...now I'll be sure to take it to a mechanic first...before getting ahead of myself....as soon as I can find one experienced enough and whom likes to work with Volvos...trying not to give up on my Volvo....Kind of hard since I can at least drive it locally...since I work in the small town I live in... wonder what it could really be....I started having a problem after letting a mechanic convince me to use shell oil and that it was better than GTX....of which I had been using every three months faithfully for the past six years I've owned this vehicle...going to get another oil change to see if that works in the mean time...

Post by **cn90** » 23 Feb 2015, 07:08

@thedawgfather,

- For now, I'd pull up the dipstick a few mm to prevent blowing out RMS, cam seals etc.

- As erikv11 said, check the hose to be sure it is not kinked, suspected areas are right above the oil trap and area near the throttle body as it makes the turn toward the PTC.

- Cleaning the PTC does not mean it works, check to be sure the PTC valve operates properly. If my memory is still intact, then the PTC Valve is sold together with the BIG tube.

Post by **cn90** » 23 Feb 2015, 07:10

@thedawgfather,

- For now, I'd pull up the dipstick a few mm to prevent blowing out RMS, cam seals etc.

- As erikv11 said, check the hose to be sure it is not kinked, suspected areas are right above the oil trap and area near the throttle body as it makes the turn toward the PTC.

- Cleaning the PTC does not mean it works, check to be sure the PTC valve operates properly. If my memory is still intact, then the PTC Valve is sold together with the BIG tube.

Post by **cn90** » 23 Feb 2015, 07:13

Random thought for the gurus...

- The NA engine has a vacuum hose that connects to the pass side of the intake.

- The Turbo engine vacuum line is via the PTC valve. Is there a way to make a "T" connection with another vacuum hose ---> vacuum tree to get better suction? Just a thought.

Post by **rspi** » 23 Feb 2015, 07:32

shevolvo45 wrote:Wow....I posted this issue of smoke coming out of my dipstick tube and oil filler cap about two months ago but didn't get much help either...

What is this suppose to mean? An oil change is NOT going to start or cure a smoking dip stick problem.

While the engine is running, the oil temperature can get as high as 230° or higher. If you pull the dip stick or open the oil filler cap, it can show smoke just as oil being HOT in a frying pan can. That is why some encourage doing a GLOVE PRESSURE test. It's not about smoke as much as pressure. If you pull the dip stick and smoke is BLOWING out of the tube with force, it is a sign of a clogged PCV system.

Besides that, this site and most of the users here are extremely helpful. The only way they can do more than they do is to go to you and fix it for you for free.

Post by **rspi** » 23 Feb 2015, 07:34

The system is pretty simple. If there is PRESSURE in the engine there is usually one of two problems... a clogged PCV system (common) or warn engine (less likely).