Massive Oil Leaks 1998 V70-XC AWD

Scratchy2000 · Post by **Scratchy2000** » 20 Jul 2016, 09:33

I've been told by my mechanic that I have 3 big oil leaks.
1. Coming from the oil cap and the valves(?) in front of it: Not serious. 2 hours work he says.
2. Engine oil cooler lines: 2 lines, very hard to get at so it will take some time and will cost $500 not including parts.
3. Cam shaft seal: My mechanic didn't say whether it was rear or front but he only mentioned one. He says it will be about 10 hours of labor because it is very hard to get out.

All in all he says it will be over $1000 dollars just to fix 2 and 3. '
I would love some advice about this as I don't believe the car is worth that though i certainly want to keep it.
Many thanks,
Dylan

PS78 · Post by **PS78** » 20 Jul 2016, 10:02

My advice would be to check your pcv system function and clean or replace any components that are inhibiting flow. If the labor cost for you isn't economically viable, strongly consider tackling the jobs yourself with a search in the repair database and you'll only be out parts cost and some time. There's also the helper section if you are looking for an assist with the repairs. Good luck.

Scratchy2000 · Post by **Scratchy2000** » 20 Jul 2016, 10:13

Many thanks for your response. I was just wondering if $1000 to fix engine cooler lines and a cam seal is reasonable.

Sommerfeldt · Post by **Sommerfeldt** » 20 Jul 2016, 10:42

10 hours for a camshaft seal seems wildly excessive to me... the rear camshaft seals are certainly not hard to replace, and front ones are manageable as well, even for DIY.

Rear: https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... =1&t=24925
Front: http://www.atthetipwebs.com/technologyi ... s70glt.htm

- S

Scratchy2000 · Post by **Scratchy2000** » 20 Jul 2016, 11:09

Sommerfeldt, thanks for your response. I certainly thought the same thing. What about the engine cooler lines? This too strikes me as excessive.

Post by **abscate** » 20 Jul 2016, 12:19

What is important here is if the PCV system is under pressure, replacing the cam seal might cause even more expensive damage.

It is a bit hard to read, but this mechanic doesn't seem to know Volvo well. Check out the Mechanic Forum to see if you can find someone more Swedish.

Post by **850 LPT** » 20 Jul 2016, 13:08

Scratchy2000 wrote:Sommerfeldt, thanks for your response. I certainly thought the same thing. What about the engine cooler lines? This too strikes me as excessive.

The oil cooler lines are tricky, no doubt. But I did mine last year myself for the first time, and it took me about 3 hours or so. An experienced mechanic could do this probably a little quicker. It seems like your mechanic is charging a bit too much IMO.

Post by **850 LPT** » 20 Jul 2016, 13:13

abscate wrote:What is important here is if the PCV system is under pressure, replacing the cam seal might cause even more expensive damage.

It is a bit hard to read, but this mechanic doesn't seem to know Volvo well. Check out the Mechanic Forum to see if you can find someone more Swedish.

Well, he is quoting the NYC premium prices I see

If you are willing to drive a little to get this done, I can recommend Beaver Brook Auto in Danbury CT, just google them. They do nothing but Volvos and I have very good experiences with them. You are welcome to use my name when you call.

Good luck, Dirk

Post by **Clemens** » 20 Jul 2016, 13:22

scratchy, are you sure he was referring to the cam seal and not the rear main (aka crank) seal. This would be a 10 hour Job and 1000$ for that seems alright.

Scratchy2000 · Post by **Scratchy2000** » 20 Jul 2016, 13:28

Clemens, he said cam seal but is now back pedaling and saying he isn't sure it's the cam seal but he will have to dismantle everything to find out thus the labor costs etc etc.
Dirk, Many thanks. I just might do that if the fix can be done in a day. I wish I knew a volvo specialist in the city or in Queens. It would make it all easier!