2007 XC70: What should I know about a turbo-ed engine..?

AylmerQc · Post by **AylmerQc** » 02 Oct 2024, 05:51

I've never owned a car with a turbo so what should I be aware of as far as maintenance, things to do and not to do, etc.
Does the turbo kick in at certain rpm or speeds or is it on all the time?
How would I know if there were issues with the turbo?

Post by **vtl** » 02 Oct 2024, 07:01

Quality synthetic 5w40 oil every 5k miles or 6 months.

Turbo is controlled by engine computer via TCV (turbo control valve) that moves wastegate.

Turbo can leak oil, seize or does not develop proper boost.

From my own experience, N/A FWD V70 required like 4-5 times less repairs and maintenance than turbo AWD XC70 =)

Post by **br0dy519** » 02 Oct 2024, 07:32

vtl wrote: ↑02 Oct 2024, 07:01 From my own experience, N/A FWD V70 required like 4-5 times less repairs and maintenance than turbo AWD XC70 =)

n=2 sample size. Same experience here.

AylmerQc · Post by **AylmerQc** » 02 Oct 2024, 08:22

N/A means North America?
Meaning of: n=2 sample size..?

Post by **vtl** » 02 Oct 2024, 08:25

AylmerQc wrote: ↑02 Oct 2024, 08:22 N/A means North America?
Meaning of: n=2 sample size..?

Natural Aspiration.

Sample size of 2 means there're 2 samples in the test set

I.e. br0dy519 and I share same experience with regard to NA and turbo variants of P2 Volvo.

Post by **jonesg** » 02 Oct 2024, 09:03

the oil drain pipe leaks at the upper gasket or lower o ring.
the rubber coupler sleeve to the charged air pipe seeps oil.
those are common fixable problems,
treat it right with the correct oil and filter, its like a magic carpet .

Post by **BlackBart** » 02 Oct 2024, 12:56

I'm on my third turbo Volvo wagon. The first one (1984) was the only one that had turbo problems, but it did not come with water cooling to the turbo housing. The 1994 and the 2004 have been mostly trouble free, smooth, and torquey. Great highway distance cars.

Naturally aspirated means an engine that sucks in air to fuel the combustion. A turbo is one that pushes compressed air into the combustion chamber to make additional power. (More Air + More Fuel = More Power). But it makes more heat, hence differences in cooling systems and "intercoolers" to lower the temp of dense, compressed air.

Post by **volvolugnut** » 02 Oct 2024, 18:50

The high pressure turbo engine (the 2.3 Liter T5) appears to start making boost about 3000 RPM. Easy acceleration and steady 70 MPH keeps the turbo mostly off boost. Above 3000 RPM, the fun starts and the car MOVES.
The turbo engines do seem to take more maintenance. The turbo itself, the intercooler and hoses, and more vacuum hoses are added for the turbo. I own a 2001 V70 T5. It is fun to drive.
volvolugnut

Post by **vtl** » 03 Oct 2024, 07:52

volvolugnut wrote: ↑02 Oct 2024, 18:50 The high pressure turbo engine (the 2.3 Liter T5) appears to start making boost about 3000 RPM. Easy acceleration and steady 70 MPH keeps the turbo mostly off boost. Above 3000 RPM, the fun starts and the car MOVES.
The turbo engines do seem to take more maintenance. The turbo itself, the intercooler and hoses, and more vacuum hoses are added for the turbo. I own a 2001 V70 T5. It is fun to drive.
volvolugnut

2.5T has it early, at 1500 RPMs. If everything is right with it.

Post by **erikv11** » 03 Oct 2024, 13:49

br0dy519 wrote: ↑02 Oct 2024, 07:32
vtl wrote: ↑02 Oct 2024, 07:01 From my own experience, N/A FWD V70 required like 4-5 times less repairs and maintenance than turbo AWD XC70 =)
n=2 sample size. Same experience here.

I agree! So counting volvolugnut's post, add me to the list and n=4. The fact that the non-turbo (N/A) engine bay is much easier to work in contributes to the perceived difference.

Yet the turbo is so much more fun to drive that I don't think I would ever buy another one of these cars in non-turbo.

Issues with the turbo itself are extraordinarily rare. Main things are (1) use good oil see vtl's post and (2) be sure to keep on top of PCV maintenance and (3) be prepared to replace the large diameter rubber intercooler hoses about 180k miles when the hoses start turning to mush. Oh and there are several extra vacuum lines, be on the lookout for older, failing, decayed rubber vacuum lines.