00 V70 Turbo oil leak, NOT oil return line gasket

instarx · Post by **instarx** » 28 Apr 2017, 14:08

I've had an oil leak for a while, thought it was the bevel gear leaking, but it turns out to be the turbo. The leak is at the clean air intake side of the turbo and I can see a hose clamped to the turbo intake that is oil covered that might be the culprit. From underneath the car I've actually seen oil drip from this hose, but who knows if it is the actual source of the oil. Neither the turbo itself nor the oil return line (either end) seem to be leaking. Neither is the hard plastic air intake duct leaking where it is clamped to the turbo.

I've tried to do my homework, and the PCV does have a little positive pressure, so I need to service that. My question is would the PCV be the cause of the leak and should servicing the PCV and replacing the hose stop the leak? I'm not sure if the hose I see that is wet with oil is the hose that goes to the PTC nipple. The hose is about 1 inch in diameter and clamped onto something that is in the clean air ducting right before the turbo. Is this the long hose from the PCV flame trap? I don't see why this hose would be leaking oil, though - isn't it just supposed to route crankcase gases?

I can't find a really good diagram of the PCV and how it connects to the turbo intake. Thanks in advance for any help - the car is not really drivable now since the oil dripping onto the exhaust is a fire hazard.

Thanks again.

Post by **wizechatmgr** » 28 Apr 2017, 19:05

I don't believe it is a PCV - that usually only impacts seals on the block or the head. Sounds like the seal in the turbo may have worn out or the oil return line from the turbo is somehow kinked or clogged.

Post by **kahl** » 28 Apr 2017, 22:55

I would do a thorough inspection of the right rear cam seal. It will leak in that area and cause a mess.

instarx · Post by **instarx** » 29 Apr 2017, 07:18

Both good ideas. I'll check both today - clogged oil return line and rear cam seal. Neither seems to be a big job.

instarx · Post by **instarx** » 03 May 2017, 13:48

Whew. Great guess Kahl. It turned out to be the rear cam seal on the exhaust side. Took the cam seal cover off and saw the classic oil leak around the seal. Replaced it and I think the leak is history. It wasn't the easiest thing I've ever done, but it was by far not the most difficult.

Now i have to address the reason it started to leak. The PCV system has very slight positive pressure so I am hoping a good cleaning with Sea Foam will fix that without having to remove the intake manifold. The hoses look pretty good, not decayed at all.

Post by **wizechatmgr** » 03 May 2017, 16:09

I use Marvel's mystery oil. Seems to work like sea foam (possibly gentler) but smells great compared to most things - at least on the way in.

Post by **FlyingVolvo** » 03 May 2017, 19:11

instarx wrote: ↑03 May 2017, 13:48 Whew. Great guess Kahl. It turned out to be the rear cam seal on the exhaust side. Took the cam seal cover off and saw the classic oil leak around the seal. Replaced it and I think the leak is history. It wasn't the easiest thing I've ever done, but it was by far not the most difficult.

Now i have to address the reason it started to leak. The PCV system has very slight positive pressure so I am hoping a good cleaning with Sea Foam will fix that without having to remove the intake manifold. The hoses look pretty good, not decayed at all.

Has the PCV system been replaced ever?

You can clean the PTC nipple on the pre-turbo air intake, and sometimes that's all it takes to relieve pressure if it's clogged up. If your system is original, I'd probably replace it all. Just did mine late last year and it's a lot to do, but nothing overly complicated.