V90 Annoying Oil Leaks

HerrGruyere · Post by **HerrGruyere** » 19 Apr 2019, 21:05

Hey all,

I have two spots below my engine. One is roughly in line with the front of the engine, and the other is in the middle. The car is leaking oil pretty heavily - it is leaving spots wherever it sits. They started appearing after about 500 miles. I have a burning oil smell with the engine running, and I saw a little bit of oil around the oil cap. I didn’t spill any when I changed the oil. And it has been really leaking after I changed. I switched to 10W-30 synthetic and am using a Mann filter.

I digress. I plan on getting a flame trap kit and a new oil cap. I would also do the valve cover gasket, but some research tells me it’s not meant to be changed. Would it be worth it to dab some RTV sealant around the corners?

Any help is appreciated! Thanks!

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 19 Apr 2019, 21:18

Check the Oil cap seal. It may of cracked when you changed the Oil or it may be worn out. Change just the seal unless the cap is damaged.

How tight did you tighten the Oil filter? Spin it by hand until the gasket makes contact then 3/4 - 1 turn, Stop!

The plastic part on the top of the engine is not a valve cover. It just keep water off your coils. Don't put any sealer on it.

Do the PCV glove test.

HerrGruyere · Post by **HerrGruyere** » 19 Apr 2019, 21:30

I meant the big ol’ metal valve cover. Usually there’s a gasket there. Can I replace this one? I read somewhere it’s a permanently sealed spot.

The filter is on just right! No worries there.

I’ll research the glove test. Not quite sure what that is.

Also, belly pans: do the V90s have them? The underside seems rather exposed. I can access the oil filter without removing any coverings underneath. I have one in the cart online. What kind of fasteners would it need?

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 19 Apr 2019, 22:12

HerrGruyere wrote: ↑19 Apr 2019, 21:30 I meant the big ol’ metal valve cover. Usually there’s a gasket there. Can I replace this one? I read somewhere it’s a permanently sealed spot.

I think we are going to need a picture.

I’ll research the glove test. Not quite sure what that is.

Tye down the glove so it does not get sucked into the engine.

Pass:
[youtube][/youtube]

Fail:
[youtube][/youtube]

I have one in the cart online. What kind of fasteners would it need?

Splash guard / Skid plate ... I sold my S90 and don't recall what type of fasteners.

HerrGruyere · Post by **HerrGruyere** » 20 Apr 2019, 12:33

I did the glove test, and it was inflating pretty steadily. I also pulled the dipstick, and smoke was coming out. I went ahead and ordered a flame trap kit and a new oil cap.

93Regina · Post by **93Regina** » 20 Apr 2019, 17:51

HerrGruyere wrote: ↑20 Apr 2019, 12:33inflating pretty steadily

Here's your next project:

a. CVVT Removal And Setup
b. CVVT and VVT hub, timing, installation, adjustment, how to install, etc. Volvo cams - VOTD

If you have the turbo, do not put the pedal to the metal, until seals are replaced, along with PCV

HerrGruyere · Post by **HerrGruyere** » 20 Apr 2019, 21:44

I don’t have a turbo. But I’ll be gentle, anyway. It hasn’t been above 3.5K since I’ve been driving it. Mostly because I’m afraid. Haha

I don’t think I’ll be able to knock that job out since I don’t have a locking tool nor do I have time to pull the engine. There’s not a lot of room back there with the engine in. But, I’ll replace the flame trap and the oil cap. Maybe that’ll do something.

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 20 Apr 2019, 22:35

None of the 1997-1998 S90/V90 where turbo charged.

There is not enough room between the engine and firewall to get the cam lock tool installed. There is just barley enough room to get the bolts out of the Camshaft Position Sensor, If you got big hands your need to get a kid to do it.

HerrGruyere · Post by **HerrGruyere** » 21 Apr 2019, 10:54

Unless I dump some money at a shop, my wagon just may leak oil from that spot.

When I get a moment, I’ll also tighten the oil pan bolts.

HerrGruyere · Post by **HerrGruyere** » 26 Apr 2019, 13:48

I did the flame trap, but I’m still getting smoke out the dipstick. I was thinking of doing the oil catcher/separator/box. Will I have to remove the intake manifold to do it, or can I just remove the alternator and PS pump?

Also, I think the big leak is coming from the front can seals. Lots of oil coming down the passenger side of the timing cover. Might also be running down the side of the engine and dripping further back. My next question: do I need special tools to hold the cams in place while I replace the seal? Also any special tools to get the seal in? I will look to see if RobertDIY has anything on YouTube.

The only other thing is probably my RMS. The bottom of the bell housing is pretty oily. The top is clean. However, there’s not a lot of spray back running along the bottom of the car. Would that be common with an RMS?

I do leak a lot of oil. Two big puddles after parking.