1998 Volvo XC70, Slight smoke from engine dipstick.

[airedale3882]

Hello all,
I have 157k on this car, oil changes at dealer till 80k, then every 3k, now I am taking over maintenance till...

I see slight wisps of smoke from dipstick when engine is warm. Very slight positive pressure from dipstick hole. Working toward stage zero, and want to do the hard jobs first. if this proves to be the time to do the entire pvc system, then, at the same time I would replace turbo hoses and h20 hoses too. But that is a big and expensive job. I think the hoses look good, most have been off the engine. I want to arrive at stage zero, but my long term goal is to keep this car on the road with the least amount of work and expense.

So, what do the interested and knowledgeable members think about the slight smoke from the dipstick. How bad should I let this smoke become? Bellowing with strong pressure?

Or, has anyone had a crankcase flush cure this problem?

Thoughts, advice, snide comments?

[FCPEURO]

I want to arrive at stage zero, but my long term goal is to keep this car on the road with the least amount of work and expense.

First, I am sorry to say, this is an oxi-moron. A car with 157K is going to need some real work if you want to keep it on the road and in stage zero condition for a long time. The good thing is that once you do everything to bring it back to stage zero, you should be good for a while.

That said, this car needs the whole PCV done ASAP. If your getting smoke and pressure from the dipstick, your PCV is already clogged and it is only a matter of time before one of your seals start to leak. I would only do the coolant lines if they look like they are the original hoses. I would do all the vacuum lines though.

If you end up doing the coolant lines, you should probably do the thermostat and temp sensor while your in there.