New Member New to Volvo

[EngineeringBloke]

Oil leak

You have probably already done this, but change the oil. You mention you smelt burning and saw a very low level.

1. If the oil did 'cook', it can have lost some of its lubrication and you want that replaced before excessive engine wear occurs.
2. If you added 5w-20, then that is not the right oil and it should be removed and replaced.

You can check what spec oil you need from the manuals that are online. I skimmed your thread but did not see what year and model your car is.

This is the 2004 V70, V70R manual:
http://new.volvocars.com/ownersdocs/200 ... v70_00.htm

I expect it has a turbo and you are in Texas where it gets hot. As such you are likely to need an oil that with -40, rather than -30. Certainly the 5-20 is the wrong oil to use in an older Volvo engine. It is an oil suitable for newer engines designed for it. The lower weight (-20) has less friction but is not going to provide the lubrication you need.

If you intend to keep the car for an extended time, then I recommend synthetic oil, rather than regular or blends, but changing it every 5 - 7K miles or no more than a year (which ever comes first) is important.

Of course, keep checking the oil level frequently until it is stable and you have found and fixed the leak. Then check it at least monthly or so.

EGR glove test

Note. The EGR system can get clogged, then blow seals resulting in engine oil leaks. This is due to excess pressure in the engine. A rubber glove over the oil filler hole should not inflate when the engine runs. If it does then the EGR service should be done urgently. In the meantime, to lessen pressure, pull up the dipstick about an inch (and leave it that way) to allow the pressure to be released.

VVT Gasket
The standard Volvo VVT solenoid gasket is paper (with a small round wire filter). The prior owner may have used the right part but let it get oily during install.

Audio
I also like Crutchfield and used them to provide the wiring for my Pioneer aftermarket radio. The round connectors are European DIN standard audio connectors for an amp. under the passenger seat (head unit to amp.), and a CD changer in the back of the car. But it looks like you have your audio and backup camera done.

[Saltyvolvo]

Oil leak

You have probably already done this, but change the oil. You mention you smelt burning and saw a very low level.

1. If the oil did 'cook', it can have lost some of its lubrication and you want that replaced before excessive engine wear occurs.
2. If you added 5w-20, then that is not the right oil and it should be removed and replaced.

You can check what spec oil you need from the manuals that are online. I skimmed your thread but did not see what year and model your car is.

This is the 2004 V70, V70R manual:
http://new.volvocars.com/ownersdocs/200 ... v70_00.htm

I expect it has a turbo and you are in Texas where it gets hot. As such you are likely to need an oil that with -40, rather than -30. Certainly the 5-20 is the wrong oil to use in an older Volvo engine. It is an oil suitable for newer engines designed for it. The lower weight (-20) has less friction but is not going to provide the lubrication you need.

If you intend to keep the car for an extended time, then I recommend synthetic oil, rather than regular or blends, but changing it every 5 - 7K miles or no more than a year (which ever comes first) is important.

Of course, keep checking the oil level frequently until it is stable and you have found and fixed the leak. Then check it at least monthly or so.

EGR glove test

Note. The EGR system can get clogged, then blow seals resulting in engine oil leaks. This is due to excess pressure in the engine. A rubber glove over the oil filler hole should not inflate when the engine runs. If it does then the EGR service should be done urgently. In the meantime, to lessen pressure, pull up the dipstick about an inch (and leave it that way) to allow the pressure to be released.

VVT Gasket
The standard Volvo VVT solenoid gasket is paper (with a small round wire filter). The prior owner may have used the right part but let it get oily during install.

Audio
I also like Crutchfield and used them to provide the wiring for my Pioneer aftermarket radio. The round connectors are European DIN standard audio connectors for an amp. under the passenger seat (head unit to amp.), and a CD changer in the back of the car. But it looks like you have your audio and backup camera done.

Great write up

I got under the car for the first time checking these 2 problems out. So far it looks like it was just a vvti solenoid not sealing and spraying oil.

The gas smell is gone but I’m not sure if I can only fill it up half way or if there is something keeping the gauge at half then it drops to empty in 120-150 miles. I’ve never ran out of gas so I’m not sure.

[Saltyvolvo]

EGR glove test

Note. The EGR system can get clogged, then blow seals resulting in engine oil leaks. This is due to excess pressure in the engine. A rubber glove over the oil filler hole should not inflate when the engine runs. If it does then the EGR service should be done urgently. In the meantime, to lessen pressure, pull up the dipstick about an inch (and leave it that way) to allow the pressure to be released.

The glove filled up with air. What do we do?

[Antoine240bk]

This may help!
viewtopic.php?f=9&t=90704

If the glove inflate, guess you are due to do the clogged PCV breather system.

[Saltyvolvo]

This may help!
viewtopic.php?f=9&t=90704

If the glove inflate, guess you are due to do the clogged PCV breather system.

What do I need to do?

[volvolugnut]

To repair the clogged PCV system search this forum for tutorial information. IPS has a kit of all the parts needed for this service. It is not hard, but takes some time and working in the tight area in front of the engine. Some people remove the intake manifold, but I did not. Small hands help on this job. Your results may be different, since I have the 2001 V70 T5.

[volvolugnut]

I see this is 2004 model. They have some history of random shut downs and codes when the weather is hot. The issue has been identified as the CEM (main computer under dash) does not have enough cooling. Search CEM overheating, etc. for more info. Solutions are adding heat sinks like used on desk computer chips and directing cold A/C flow in the CEM area.

[Antoine240bk]

This may help!
viewtopic.php?f=9&t=90704

If the glove inflate, guess you are due to do the clogged PCV breather system.

What do I need to do?

You will need to service the breather system as in the threat mentioned, this is a very good step by step tutorial.
I think you will be able to find a complet service kit. As already said it is not hard but time consuming, it took me 5 hours! (i work slow)

[Saltyvolvo]

To everyone who posted:
Huge thanks. Really.

So I’m trying to be lazy. I’ve owned this car for 3000 miles so far and paid to replace the vvti gaskets and the gas tank gasket. I should have done it myself, but on top of my job I run a landscaping business that I can’t keep up with and I’m building a house and a mr2 spyder (mr2salty on spyderchat).

I need to replace the pvc valve. The oil change to 0w-40 European formula fixed most of the oil leaks. Can you link the ipd kit I need to buy?

Also, I might have to wait another 2-3k miles to get to the pcv system. Should I tell my wife to just drive my truck until I can get to work on it? I just don’t have enough time in the day. By the time I’m done working I’ll be dead.

[Antoine240bk]

This is what i found, but check with the year of your car. Doing the PCV with the assembly hose with the two banjo bolts, you will need to drain the coolant.

IPD PCV Breather System
https://www.ipdusa.com/products/21172/1 ... ipd-139867

Volvo Genuine PCV Breather System
https://www.ipdusa.com/products/4990/11 ... lvo-115030