1998 V70 exhaust cam seal - massive leak? .

Post by **kahl** » 28 Nov 2014, 13:25

Hi Guys
I just got a 1998 V70 AWD that has been driven into ground. I am working my way around the engine and replacing almost everything. Started with PCV maintenance that was long overdue. One of the massive oil leaks was the rear exhaust cam seal, completely popped out. The flowing oil then got into the outer chaffed chaff guard of the crankcase breather hose assembly and flowed down hill to discharge on the PTC nipple assembly and points below.

My question is how much oil would be flowing out of open exhaust cam seal port per 100 miles?

Post by **erikv11** » 28 Nov 2014, 14:34

Because cam position sensor is installed there on a 98, it will contain the leak somewhat. So it would be on the scale of a (messy) nuisance oil leak, not a gusher. Maybe a quart every 1,000 miles?

JeffHicks · Post by **JeffHicks** » 29 Nov 2014, 16:27

kahl wrote:Hi Guys
I just got a 1998 V70 AWD that has been driven into ground. I am working my way around the engine and replacing almost everything. Started with PCV maintenance that was long overdue. One of the massive oil leaks was the rear exhaust cam seal, completely popped out. The flowing oil then got into the outer chaffed chaff guard of the crankcase breather hose assembly and flowed down hill to discharge on the PTC nipple assembly and points below.

My question is how much oil would be flowing out of open exhaust cam seal port per 100 miles?

You'll lose all your oil in far less than 100 miles. Probably closer to 10 miles.

When the front intake cam seal went out of my '02, it was dumping oil like I was slowly pouring it out of a bottle. It was unbelievable.

The oil ports might be different on the rear seals, but they're typically the first to go out, so I'd guess there's actually more pressure on them.

SpeedyPete · Post by **SpeedyPete** » 29 Nov 2014, 17:19

Hi Kahl: Just replace the rear cam seal to stop the oil leak . It is an easy job to do. Just make sure you use only volvo brand seal. They are worth the extra $. Lots of other brands do not fit right even if they say OE. I bought mine for like $20 at the dealer and consider it cheap because it has been problem free. The other brands did not measure right with my microm. We are talking in thousands of an inch here and it makes a difference. Good luck, SpeedyPete

Post by **erikv11** » 29 Nov 2014, 22:59

JeffHicks wrote:... You'll lose all your oil in far less than 100 miles. Probably closer to 10 miles.

When the front intake cam seal went out of my '02, it was dumping oil like I was slowly pouring it out of a bottle. It was unbelievable.

The oil ports might be different on the rear seals, but they're typically the first to go out, so I'd guess there's actually more pressure on them.

The fronts and the rears seal the same chamber and experience exactly the same pressure. Rear cam seals blow out because they are a looser fit than the front ones, I would even speculate it is by design given that they are so easy to change and leak so little when dislodged. Presumably the leak difference is related to oil flow patterns. Lots of people are driving their 850s around on blown rear cam seals, it manifests as slow to medium leak.

Post by **dosbricks** » 30 Nov 2014, 10:27

Kahl, the leak may appear massive because it has been going on for a very long time. SKF is the Volvo OE seal and can be found for about $10 online or at the parts counter of a local heavy duty truck center because of multiple applications. here is a very nice write up by cn90:
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... =1&t=50752

Post by **kahl** » 30 Nov 2014, 18:10

: Sway bar link

Thanks for the replies! replaced both rear seals with SKF. Just for giggles I installed one Felpro seal and Speedy Pete was correct that the brand does not measure right. I was able to press in the Felpro seal with my fingers. Pulled the cam sprockets on the front and both of those cam seals are perfect.

This $310.00 dollar car was/is very rough. Shot suspension and brakes, massive vacuum leaks, clogged PCV, exhaust pipe cracked behind cat, A/C compressor seized, alternator inop, power steering pump groans with full fluid, motor mounts worn or gone.....just the kind of car I wanted! really enjoy working on these Vols.

Body in great shape, interior excellent, tranny and AWD work great and new tires. Just a little Volvo maintenance. Thanks to this site and the members I would not be able to do this work. Thank you!!