1997 t5 PCV system clogged

adrian22 · Post by **adrian22** » 21 Mar 2015, 13:49

I have positive engine pressure --when I remove the oil cap and place a rubber glove on it it will inflate
Also The oil dipstick is smoking when the engine is running
The mechanic told me that the PCV system is clogged and need to be serviced
The location of the main PCV box is under manifold and it will cost $600 to get to it and clean or replace it
Is this price right??? -it looks very high to me
What happen if I continue to drive the car in this condition
car is running ok but the Mileage is low about 16 MPG
I can leave the dipstick out a bit to release the pressure so it will not build up inside engine
Is this a good solution? There is any way I can clean it by treatment with seafoam or any other cleaner?
Thanks

Post by **dosbricks** » 21 Mar 2015, 14:24

The PCV system must be replaced. No additive will clean out the system with it's associated hoses. Some people clean and reuse the black plastic catch can, but it's a cheap part, so easier to replace. All hoses need to be replaced with Volvo OEM. After-market brand hoses don't last.

Yes you should pull the dipstick up an inch to relieve pressure or you risk blowing a cam or crank seal (to include the dreaded rear main seal). Wrap a rag loosely around the dipstick and zip tie it to keep oil from getting on the engine at highway speed until the repair is completed.

$600 does seem a bit high. This is not a hard job to do--just needs a couple of days to take your time and work carefully. There are good instructions in the repair database.

adrian22 · Post by **adrian22** » 21 Mar 2015, 15:12

I am surprised the PCV system is already clogged The car has only 107 k miles-it is too soon
Is there a possibility that the smoking dipstick may be rather caused by a faulty vacuum line instead ?
some people here advanced this idea

Post by **tryingbe** » 21 Mar 2015, 16:15

adrian22 wrote:I am surprised the PCV system is already clogged The car has only 107 k miles-it is too soon

Too soon? Said you.

http://www.ipdusa.com/products/4984/114 ... system-kit

Post by **polskamafia mjl** » 21 Mar 2015, 16:19

Your car is almost 20 years old; it is not too soon at all. The smoking dip stick is caused by the PCV. It needs to be replaced. As mentioned previously this is a straightforward DIY project. Here is the write up for replacing the PCV system -> https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... =1&t=28487

One recent addition to this procedure is to replace the stock Volvo 3/8 inch hose with standard heater hose with a 5/8 inch inner diameter. This helps compensate for excessive blow by from these high mileage motors. The updated procedure can be found here -> https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... =1&t=53448

Post by **E Showell** » 21 Mar 2015, 16:41

My new ride has slightly more than 107k on it, but the PCV system is clogged. I didn't for a minute think the mileage was too low for this to happen. The clogging depends on lots of factors -- type of trips, type of oil (dino v. synthetic), stuff like that. It is overwhelmingly likely that the smoking dipstick is caused by a clogged PCV system. If you tackle it as a DIY -- and I've done two so far -- the toughest part in my opinion is accessing a couple of the end intake manifold bolts.

Post by **rspi** » 22 Mar 2015, 20:24

The owners manual says to service it every 60,000 miles.

MrGruffles · Post by **MrGruffles** » 24 Mar 2015, 11:25

When doing the PCV system, make sure the PTC nipple isn't clogged too or the car will continue to build pressure.