Squeak or Squeal at Idle

ctrobk · Post by **ctrobk** » 22 Nov 2010, 15:17

I've searched high and low across the net for an answer, hopefully someone can zero me in on a problem I am having.

I have a squeak or squeal coming from the engine. It appears to be coming from the drivers side or the front of the engine. It only seems to happen when the car is at normal operating temps. From what I can tell it only happens at idle and seems to disappear as the rpm's increase. I can best describe it as a rotational friction noise or something. When I shut the engine down, the sound slows til the engine stops.

Does not seem like its coming from the belts. they were replaced about 35k miles ago. I sprayed belt dressing just be sure with no effect. I used a long screwdriver to my ear but cannot isolate where the sound is coming from.

This is an '03 V70 base, non-turbo.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

jda2000 · Post by **jda2000** » 22 Nov 2010, 17:39

how can you be sure is not the serpentine belt when you replaced it 35K miles ago????????

ctrobk · Post by **ctrobk** » 23 Nov 2010, 06:34

Three reasons I don't suspect its the belt.
1. Sound is coming from front or drivers side of engine, not pax side.
2. I sprayed some stop squeak belt dressing on the belt/pulleys.
3. Belt shows zero cracks, no shine or wear.

I'm thinking it might be the PCV/flame box. Last night the sound wasn't as loud, but it seemed to disappear if I removed the oil dipstick just enough to remove the pressure. I am going to try this again today after a day of driving as the sound usually appears after some driving and at normal operating temps.

I don't have any oil leaks. Any thoughts?

ctrobk · Post by **ctrobk** » 26 Nov 2010, 20:12

Update, the sound went away for a few days but just reappeared today. I'm sure it is a PCV flame trap issue at this point. If the car is making the sound, I can lift the oil dipstick and the sound goes away.

Can someone confirm if my 03 v70 non-turbo has a flame trap? I seem to have found some conflicting information out there. Also, all the write-ups seem to address older models like the 850. Will the repair be the same as the older models?

jda2000 · Post by **jda2000** » 27 Nov 2010, 10:21

yes, all volvos have a flame trap = PCV system, even the non-turbos.

Need to remove the intake manifold to replace it. Change all the PCV hoses while you are down there.