2004 XC90 PCV issue?

Post by **scot850** » 26 Oct 2016, 08:36

I am going to look at a 2004 XC90 with the 2.5T motor. Vehicle has about 150k (miles) on it and has been serviced at the dealer and some smaller independent repair shops. An independent mechanic told the owner it was 'over idling' due to the PCV system. Any idea what this may mean and if this is a likely cause? Changing the PCV is not an issue, but I am very wary of non-Volvo diagnostics! Car is cheap enough to merit a look (<$2000).

Many thanks,

Neil.

Post by **cn90** » 26 Oct 2016, 08:54

Neil,

At $2000, it is a bargain.
I have a 2005 XC90 2.5T with 100K miles, very good car.
Nothing to worry about since you are familiar with the Volvo 850, S70 platform.
Just routine maintenance and read XC90 forum etc.

Post by **scot850** » 26 Oct 2016, 10:28

Thanks for the input. But still curious about the 'diagnostic' from the mechanic? What the heck is over-idling? Does that mean a fast idle? I don't recall PCV systems causing that issue, but an air/vacuum leak or a possible issue with the ETM I would understand. Doesn't mean the PCV doesn't need work, but not sure about the cause.

Thanks,

Neil.

Post by **scot850** » 26 Oct 2016, 21:13

Dealer foreman says on this engine you have to drop the oil pan to clean the oil ports as part of the PCV clean.

Anyway vehicle had a little potential. Mechanics were not a big issue, but the passenger front door had several large patches of rust on the rear edge and one on the front edge, and the interior was the horrible light beige leather that 3 kids had trashed. I have never seen such careless ownership. Every seat including the 3rd row were horrid as well as the floor mats. Even the drivers seat had the stitching missing in the middle of the seat. So even at the low price, it would be cheaper to buy a fully functioning one with a clean interior and paint!

Thanks though,

Neil.

Post by **cn90** » 27 Oct 2016, 09:01

Shop foreman is wrong, no need to drop oil pan.
Go to my DIY (5/8-inch heater hose mod in P80 forum), see my post on attaching a hose to the lower port (once the oil trap is out), blow through it, if you hear gurgling sounds, port is NOT blocked. Very easy trick.

Post by **scot850** » 27 Oct 2016, 10:04

Thanks for the input. I have done this replacement on P80's many times and to date have never had the lower oil return or upper badly clogged. I know and trust the foreman (been with Volvo since 1975!) and he says it is a peculiar issue on this engine when fitted to XC90.

Either way it will not be an issue I have to worry about for the moment as I was only looking at the vehicle as it cheap, but even then not cheap enough!

Neil.

Post by **cn90** » 28 Oct 2016, 08:14

Nope,

Foreman is incorrect.
This engine is almost identical to your 850 in terms of PCV ports and design.
The return port is the same, blow through it with a hose and as long as you hear gurgling sounds, it is open and not clogged.

Post by **scot850** » 28 Oct 2016, 10:03

Thanks my friend, good to know for the future if one makes its way to my driveway. The boss is reluctant so for now it is a back-burner plan!

Neil.