00 S40 Seals shot?

doscascos · Post by **doscascos** » 29 Apr 2016, 07:10

I'm considering a 00 S40 and within the last 1000 miles it has started leaking oil from cam and rear seals, I smell a clogged pcv system. Before I go look at the car, once they have started to seap are the likely to be permanently blown out or is it possible in anyone's experience here that once the pcv system is cleaned the seals will behave themselves? Thanks for your time folks.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 29 Apr 2016, 18:15

Nope, sorry but once they're shot, they're shot...that's why the PCV system maintenance is such a big deal. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. It's this way with all Volvo's with that crazy PCV air-re-circulation system.

Post by **alschnertz** » 30 Apr 2016, 07:37

It's entirely possible that the PCV system is clogged. Have you given it the "glove" test? It's easy.

Don't be surprised if what you think is leaking cam seals and clogged PCV system turns out to be a leaking VVT hub.
My PCV system was fine, but I found oil under the timing belt cover. I assumed the cam seals were shot and replaced them only to find oil under the cover a week later.
It turned out to be the VVT hub which does not have replaceable seals - you have to replace the whole sprocket.
The VVT hub is a relatively common failure on early S40s.

doscascos · Post by **doscascos** » 30 Apr 2016, 09:20

Wow, thanks. It's a haul to check this one out so for now I'll pass on it, I'd rather have a 98 or before 850 anyway, but the s40 is a decent price.

doscascos · Post by **doscascos** » 04 May 2016, 08:32

This is in general really, can pressure be taken off the pcv system temporarily? Say pull the drain? Enough to get one home basically. I've looked at a couple that have failed the glove test so would be good to know (tinkering with ones I'm just checking out being a no go). Thanks

Post by **alschnertz** » 04 May 2016, 14:55

Not sure what you mean by "pull the drain". If you think there is a "drain" on the PCV canister, there isn't.

Temporary venting can be accomplished by pulling the dipstick up an inch or two (provided there isn't a bunch of gunk in the dipstick tube.) This is not a fix or go-around though.
If you choose to do this, I would expect that you will get some blow-by around the dipstick tube.

Will it stop leaks from the proper seals? I don't know for sure, but I doubt it.