1997 850 Problems after Change to Synthetic Oil

[precopster]

If the cam seal has popped it is already relieving pressure so the glove test while there is a leak may be a waste of time in your case. You really need to sight the seal behind the distributor first and do the steps I outlined.

An RMS leak is likely over time however once you deal with the PCV the chances of an RMS failure diminishes greatly. It wouldn't be a bad idea to change BOTH rear cam seals including the one behind the cam sensor.

Once you have a read of how easy the timing belt replacement is you'll want to replace the 2 front seals as well, but that's later

[abscate]

Evaluate replace that seal like Mike posted, then do the glove test at idle.

We do not want that RMS to go, so no revving it up

Stuck with synthetic, these engines last 300k if you keep them cool and lubed

[plumsmooth]

We do not want that RMS to go, so no revving it up

He held back his temper and obviously has pride in his work because as a response to my humbly asking to participate in my vehicles health, he said if he didn't fix it he would give me my money back.

So I pleaded with him to make sure to please do the PCV test after seal replacement, and to leave my lifted up dipstick alone: And now I guess I'll beg him not to rev it up.

Maybe he'll get mad when I ask him to please use a genuine OEM Volvo seal? This is such a sign that I need to find a new mechanic. He also currently thinks my PCV is one tube literally. I'm not sure if he is even aware of the Oil Trap -- I think it is also referred to as the breather box and oil separator? It amazes me after going to him for almost 15 years that he is so threatened by my offering of even basic knowledge.

Then he talked about calling a hotline. When I mentioned the computer he said "when the computer tells you blah blah" Refuting my resources. The guy doesn't use a computer at all.

I'm worried I shouldn't even let him do the seal -- after which he may Rev it up the hill and blow my RMS after skipping the PCV test and taking the rag of my raised dipstick.

It' pretty simple I am going to tell him not to mess with my Dipstick and take a picture of it...

I explained that I was in communication with specialists and he said "customer participation was like going to a restaurant and telling the cook how to prepare a dish"

Wow...

[stephansvolvo]

Definitely sounds like a new open minded mechanic is in order!
Understood that Vermont winters are cold and without a garage I'd probably think twice about engine work.
I have learned and saved over the course of te last year over 2k dollars in DYI in just my volvo. These guys are super amazing and I think I have actually become savy in this forum. My mechanic lives the fact that I do my research and if I do have him do diagnostics he usually gives me a nice price break(sometimes even does it free) so I throw oil changes, tire rotations and some of the other little projects at him. Oh and I brin them donuts and pizza once in awhile.
This forum will direct you in the ways of the volvo force!
I've got my own set of issues right now with my V70 and I have a starting place for my next project. Keep your head up, don't be frustrated, limp your Volvo along until warmer weather and search or a new "guy"!
Good luck.
Stephan

[instarx]

I explained that I was in communication with specialists and he said "customer participation was like going to a restaurant and telling the cook how to prepare a dish"

Wow...

Lol,
A) It is your car
B) It is your money
C) A cook should not get angry when the customer wants his steak cooked a certain way.

Don't drill your oil cap.

[dosbricks]

The mechanic in question sounds like a, "You can't get theah from heah." down'easter.

[oragex]

I explained that I was in communication with specialists and he said "customer participation was like going to a restaurant and telling the cook how to prepare a dish"

Wow...

I would say, I will let him prepare my dish, not so about my vehicle

[matthew1]

Maybe he'll get mad when I ask him to please use a genuine OEM Volvo seal?

...

It amazes me after going to him for almost 15 years that he is so threatened by my offering of even basic knowledge.

...

I explained that I was in communication with specialists and he said "customer participation was like going to a restaurant and telling the cook how to prepare a dish"

Wow...

I'd try to wrap up my involvement with this mechanic. I'd be polite but firm, and gracefully end it.

Sounds like his ego is a big influence on these proceedings. As a man, I know how strongly ego can impact my behavior.

[E Showell]

+1 case of FMES (Fragile Male Ego Syndrome).

[mecheng]

Your so called mechanic is a block head goon, find someone proffesional or learn and DIY.

Synthetic shouldn't cause issues itself but I'm one for sticking with DINO oil as so far, 3000km of driving and not one micrometer of movement on the dipstick on both of my cars; not so when I used synthetic. That is with 10W30, but not to start an oil thread war; I'll leave that for another day