'94 850 Turbo oil leak

[bonmictx]

Hi -I recently replaced my '89 240 (that had 286,000 miles on it) with a '94 850 Turbo with 110,000. My mechanic friend, who became an expert through the years working on my many 240's, is becoming more familiar with my new ride, but still learning. He tells me that he's isolated a very small oil leak to my dipstick O-ring -less than $1 at FCP Groton! Could I really be so lucky? I'm worried that oil wouldn't be leaking from this area unless something else is wrong - like high pressure somewhere. I remember reading about flame trap issues on one of my 240's causing something like this, but I'm pretty ignorant about engine stuff. When I punch it and engage the turbo, or sometimes after more than 30 minutes of driving, there is a smell of burning oil. He says he doesn't think the rear cam seal is leaking, which I've read is a common problem with these.

Thanks for all the great info!
Michelle

[Japedo]

Michelle, it is possible that the o-ring on your dipstick is bad. Does your dipstick tube seem loose or move around at all where it goes into the engine? There is a mount on the dipstick tube that holds down pressure on the dipstick tube, just one bolt and a bracket i believe. It could be loose or you may need an o-ring. If there was a pressure issues you would probably be leaking in other areas. Hopefully you get off lucky.

Japedo
94 850 Turbo
01 V70 XC

[Mike-Halewai]

Nope... you are likely that lucky! That is a fairly common leak. You may want to check your PCV system, easiest time to tell is when it's really clogged, you will have a smoking dipstick when the car is running.

If you don't have that issue, (the smoking dipstick) go ahead and get the O-ring replaced and you will be good to go.

[bonmictx]

Just an update- replaced both O-rings on the dipstick and on the oil filler cap, and that seems to have taken care of it.

Thanks!