1997 850 oil leak in upstate NY, advice?

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 21 May 2016, 09:59

Botched thread split by mod, original thread post here by 1997volvo 850

I drive a 1997 Volvo 850 and recently I started smelling burning oil inside the cabin and noticed I was putting off a significant amount of smoke at times. This normally happens when I sit idling for a while and then I start driving so I didn't pay much attention at first. I then noticed the ticking/clicking sounds of the lifters and checked the oil - which did not reach the dip stick - but no oil light. I knew there was a problem.

I hadn't noticed an obvious leak until I went out to the parking lot yesterday and noticed a pool of oil under my car - maybe like an 8 ounce cup - in front of the driver position almost immediately below the turbo. The oil has been apparently dropping onto the the hot exhaust causing the strong fumes I've been smelling.

After reading this post I'm suspecting the seals on the turbo oil lines since this is the main oil line in this area of the vehicle.

I'm 100 miles from home, and at the current loss rate, I will likely be able to make it home (while checking the oil frequently). Is there any way to reduce the leakage between now and when I get home to my garage and tools? Any of those liquid sealers that I could surround the fitting with to slow it down? can you say McGuiver...while likely making a mess I suppose.

MadeInJapan stated you "(you'll have to take it completely off to change the green rubber o-ring at the sump end)" - so I'll need to remove the metal oil return pipe completely in order to replace the O-ring into the sump. Correct?

I agree- yes, get it done! Don't risk it. I drove home risking it...I bought some stuff (thus the ramps) that was like chewing gum that I tried to patch it as I drove but it really didn't slow the oil leak much - maybe enough to get home but maybe made no difference. I got very very lucky! Yes, the hole metal pipe has to come out to seal both ends! I don't know why they call it the "lower" piece...there isn't an upper unless you're just talking about the oil feed line- one is oil, the other is coolant- both run through the turbo. But like someone else posted, make sure it's not the rear cam seal either- they can create a hideous leak as well. I just know that your description was EXACTLY like mine including the film of oil on the back window!

Post by **1997volvo850** » 25 May 2016, 13:51

abscise: Unfortunately Dave's booked out a bit...

I'm beginning to think my rear main seal may be the problem...if that's $1,000 as cited from Ozark...it may be time for the recycler.

I came upon this thread from search and didn't realize I'd migrated into the V70 forum...I suppose I should move back to the 850 forum...

Post by **1997volvo850** » 04 Jun 2016, 19:30

I stopped by Dave's in Ithaca and he replaced the rear cam exhaust seal. I lucked out big time on this one.

I still need to deal with PCV pressure. I cleaned out PTC and Dave replaced disintegrated line to nipple on intake manifold.

I just wanted to follow up here. I will be following up on PCV and PCT questions, issues, and propose new ideas in other threads.

Post by **1997volvo850** » 04 Jun 2016, 19:41

skrusnmz:

I didn't mean to hijack your thread. Did you determine what the cause of your leak was?

Did you check the PCV/PTC? Pressure at oil fill? My PTC valve was clogged solid - and the little line going to the
manifold was broke and packed solid with crud.

Post by **1997volvo850** » 05 Jun 2016, 06:01

MadeInJapan,

That was a little strange. I believe I originally did a search and posted to the "Major oil leak" thread not realizing it was over in the V70 forum...

So I started an updated thread "Need help diagnosing oil leak" in the 850 forum. I was just trying to update and close off my comments in the v70 thread.

Might be easier to delete the new '...upstate NY' thread in the 850 forum...and you could cleanse me from the v70 thread if you want. This new thread refers back to skrusnmz which is not included in the new thread.

At this point I'm pretty much done with my oil leak and I'm returning to PCV / PTC issues.

Post by **abscate** » 06 Jun 2016, 16:13

Sorry - that was my bad, not MIJ. I tried to split the thread, leaving it in the P2 forum, then move it to the P80 forum, but the road was paved with the rancid stench of moderator failure.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 06 Jun 2016, 21:32

No worries, abscate- I have done much worse LOL