1999 S80 2.9 Oil pick-up O-ring & tranny replacement

[volvoloco]

My '99 S 80 2.9 6 cyl w/136,000 miles has been throwing periodic "no oil pressure, Stop engine ASAP". It has been going on for months usually at idle when the a/c compressor kicks on, then it goes out in 2-3 seconds. No problem at speed. Now it has just started to happen whenever coming to a stop after the engine is good and warm only. Once stopped the message dissappears. Uses very little oil, topping off helps, but not improving. My guess is the Oil pick-up tube O-ring??? Can I delay this labor intensive repair with higher viscosity oil (20-50) or is that a bad thing. What makes this repair so difficult/expensive? I'm willing to give it a shot if there is a precise procedure somewhere. Also, I have heard that this symptom can also be caused by engine sludge. We have been very good at regular 3000 to 5000 mile oil changes since we have owned it (since 60,000 miles). Remove oil cap, no sludge; oil clean, a little varnish inside cap. Some Volvoites say don't bother with the O-ring if any sludge apparent, just replace engine! Any method for verifying sludge.

Also, had to replace tranny at 70k after failed shift solenoid. Replaced with a 2004 OEM . Was told newer year tranny more robust than '99. Any truth? 66 k more miles and the car still runs like a champ. Just did 2000 miles to AZ and back, no problem. Check of ATF and it's clean but a little off color...Red Zinger tea color but not bright red. Any worries there? Trying to decide if this is a keeper for a couple of more years or not.

Lastly, a public service announcement for S 80 2.9 owners (maybe others): if your serpentine belt looks like it is aging, but not quite ready for replacement...replace it. Here's what's possible: the belt breaks (no biggie but you're stuck), the belt whips around and jambs under timing belt cover...tears off plastic cover and gets caught between timing belt and cam end. Timing belt slips, valves make contact with pistons... (that's a biggie), $4,500.00. Don't let this happen to you!

Thanks for any feed back. I love the car, but my wife hates the message center blabbing all the time.

[Oodemardes48]

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