2006 S60 2.5T AWD ... oil leak.

TimothyJ · Post by **TimothyJ** » 02 May 2023, 13:21

Hello ,

I have a 2006 S60 2.5 T AWD that I really enjoy driving ... about 290000 kms and running beautifully. Not nearly as quick as my wonderful 850 ... (deer ending) but really solid in many ways. I have an oil leak that has become an annoyance as it is staining my parking spot (board there now) and I am having trouble figuring this out. It started with a code indicating that one of the solenoids was getting stuck and so I replaced both (intake and exhaust) at the same time. Bona fide parts from Rock Auto. I purchased new gaskets as well and replaced them also.
I now get oil collecting in the little notches and gullys on top of the engine under the covers where the ignition coils are, and eventually they drip down. It's not a big leak but an annoyance leak and I'm concerned that as I'm driving it is slowly getting air blown around inside the compartment possibly affecting things like my belts etc.
So I cleaned it all up and ran the car for a short while and it appeared that oil was slowly coming out of the bottom of the exhaust solenoid. (But only because it seems to pool near there first) I cleaned it all up again, and put a second (new gasket on which seemed to slow it but the leak appeared again. A month ago I did the job one more time and used a silicone sealer... on BOTH solenoids... (see pictures) the leak has slowed over winter but is still there. Now warmer weather has arrived… just got my oil changed and it’s back again.
Is it possible to have a leaky solenoid? Has anyone ever had this issue? Is this created by some other issue like too much pressure in the PCV system or something like that? Perhaps just get another solenoid? Or can oil be leaking from some other source? (oil cap or timing cover gasket?)
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks to anyone replying in advance.

: Detail 1; Leak3Y.jpg (817.49 KiB) Viewed 554 times

: Detail 1; Leak3Y.jpg (817.49 KiB) Viewed 554 times

Post by **BlackBart** » 02 May 2023, 13:23

Put a new rubber oil cap gasket on. Less than 10 dollars. It's leaking out the cap and running all over the top of your engine.
The PCV venting system might also be clogged, which is causing internal pressure to push more out the cap.

I once had it run down the back of the engine on a freeway trip in my 850, hit the exhaust manifold and make a large cloud that looked like a fire had started. $5 oil cap gasket.

TimothyJ · Post by **TimothyJ** » 02 May 2023, 17:04

I'll pick one up and let you know if that's the solution. A great place to start for sure.
Thanks BlackBart.

Post by **Krons** » 02 May 2023, 18:52

Yep, if the oil cap gasket is crispy that is it. But you will want to do a glove test because it may be an indication the crankcase is getting pressurized, then you need to replace the PCV system.

Post by **jonesg** » 02 May 2023, 19:30

cam solenoid 'gasket' looks interesting.

TimothyJ · Post by **TimothyJ** » 03 May 2023, 08:54

Thanks for your replies... have ordered a new oil cap. But... I also am pretty darn sure the PCV system needs to be replaced as it has never been done. The glove test is leaning that way also. Problem is, although I do a lot of work on my car, I do not have the facility nor tools to do that job. The "gasket" that is referred to above as "interesting" is a 3rd attempt at sealing what appeared to be a leak coming from that solenoid. A combination of gasket and sealant. Doesn't look great, but I'm quite sure it is sealed.
I'll get back as I eliminate these issues as possibilities. Thanks for your input.

Post by **scot850** » 03 May 2023, 10:03

Also check the pipe on the right in your first picture from the oil trap to the cylinder head. The PCV has been done at some point as that is a screw type pipe clamp and Volvo do not use those. Check that pipe as it can split and if it is not an OE pipe they go rock hard and no amount of clamping will seal them. If you have thin arms and small hands, it is possible to replace that pipe on a P2 without removing the intake. I have done this twice now and I am far from small!

Neil.

TimothyJ · Post by **TimothyJ** » 03 May 2023, 12:43

Thanks Neil,
I'll have a look and see how that pipe is. Your observation is interesting... I only have service records back to about 89,000 Kms
and there is nothing there. But then some could very well be missing. I'll check that out for leaks tomorrow. Getting a brake job done today. Thanks for your observation. I will follow up on all suggestions and pass on results. Thanks again. Tim

Post by **Krons** » 06 May 2023, 11:59

A year and a half ago I ordered the PCV items from FCPEuro and got Covid, decided to let my local Indy shop do it and they changed me $400USD.

If it is not sucking the glove in I’d either leave the dipstick out a bit or remove the oil cap gasket until the PCV is done. If the crankcase is pressurized you risk blowing cam or crank seals…bigger oil leaks…

TimothyJ · Post by **TimothyJ** » 07 May 2023, 16:14

Hi Krons, Neil and BlackBart,
Thanks for your input.
Yesterday I put a new cap on, checked the pipe that you suggested Neil and it is a URO, so after market. It feels like a plastic molded pipe rather than a soft rubber one. The pipe clamp you mentioned seemed a little bit loose so I tightened it... but it did not appear to be cracked. I sucked the oil out of all the pockets and crevices as much as I could and will run it for a day or two to see if I get oil pooling again. If I do, then it's on to other options including the PCV job that I sense is overdue. I do not pass, nor fail the glove test right now.
It's sort of neutral, if that makes sense.
Fingers crossed... I'll keep you updated.
Thanks again.
Tim