Help Identifying aftermarket parts

shagginwagon850 · Post by **shagginwagon850** » 16 May 2016, 21:14

I recently purchased a Volvo 850 turbo wagon and it has been modified with some aftermarket stuff that I'm not sure about. I am going to be doing the PCV replacement and as I was familiarizing myself with the engine I noticed a few things. The PCV hose that typically goes to the PTC instead runs to some type of canister and then from the cansister another hose goes to the PTC. I've included some pictures to help with identifying this. Does anybody know what it is or why someone would've installed it? It also has the boost control, but I have a pretty good idea what that is. Another odd thing is that the idle control valve is disconnected and I can't find the wiring and connector that should be connected. The car seems to idle and runs normally. Is there any type of modification or aftermarket part that requires disconnecting the Idle control valve? I've included pictures for the items in question and I appreciate any insight you guys can give. Thanks.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 16 May 2016, 21:29

A catch can to catch the blow-by that will condense and stay in that can until it overflows or you dump it- it's an old trick to keep from having to deal with the PCV- of course in many states with inspections, the emissions standards are such that a can like that would be illegal. The IAC is strange. I don't know a way to eliminate that and it's important to keep you idling correctly when the car isn't moving, so that's a huge mystery. Hopefully others can chime in who might know about these things.

shagginwagon850 · Post by **shagginwagon850** » 17 May 2016, 06:59

Thanks for the help, I really appreciate the response. Since I am doing the PCV replacement, would you recommend routing the hoses back to original or leaving it connected to the can? I'm more concerned with reliability than I am about meeting emission/inspection standards, although that's good to know.
As far as the Idle Control Valve is concerned does anyone know where the wires should be routed? If I had an idea where the wires should be I might have better luck finding the connector (maybe)... Hopefully I'll get a better look when I get the Intake Manifold off, but as it is I cannot find the wiring and connector for the ICV.

Post by **j-dawg** » 17 May 2016, 22:06

Based on how the hoses are hooked up to the PTC, it seems like the PCV system is probably in need of replacement, and the previous owner considered adding in a catch can an easier replacement than just fixing it properly. If you're planning to replace the PCV system, you're probably good to remove the catch can.

Check the cable end on the throttle to see if it's been shimmed or adjusted to set the idle.

Post by **erikv11** » 17 May 2016, 23:53

That catch can is totally fine the way it is hooked up. Its main purpose is to catch moisture. If you use this car for short drives in the winter then I would leave it on, and just remember to empty it out, it will fill with a mostly-water mixture. It is not a PCV replacement, it is an extra. The PCV still needs to be free flowing, the PTC needs to be open, etc. You will find that water accumulates quickly in the winter but slowly in the summer.

The catch can is a fairly common add-on, but bypassing the IAC is not. That's a puzzler, makes me want to see what other surprises are in your engine bay! (is there an ETM?

)

I'm going to guess that the IAC is broken and somehow the previous owner figured out how to keep it running without an IAC. I like the idea to see of the throttle cable is shimmed. How many RPM does it show at idle? Perhaps when you find the connector and plug it in, the car will stumble or something. Be prepared to grab another IAC from the junkyard; if you don't have a cheap pick-n-pull nearby let us know I'm sure we can find you an IAC.

shagginwagon850 · Post by **shagginwagon850** » 26 May 2016, 08:08

Thanks for the help! Here's an update as I finally had some time to work on it. I did the PCV replacement last night and it went pretty smoothly. It appears that the previous owner did the pcv replacement at some point, but I'm glad I did it anyway. I found some loose bolts, hoses that had zip ties instead of clamps and a wire repair job that wasn't up to my standards. I also found the connector for the IACV. I hooked it up, but haven't test ran it yet since I want to pick up injector seal kits. The pcv kit came with the one set of O-rings but I'm going to replace all of them. Fingers crossed that it runs well with the IACV connected. If not I'll check at some U-Pull it salvage places near me. To answer your questions; The throttle was not shimmed. It idles around 1200-1300, which seems a bit high. And no there's no ETM LOL!

shagginwagon850 · Post by **shagginwagon850** » 27 May 2016, 17:40

Everything is back together. With the IACV connected the idle is about 2000 rpm. When I disconnect it the idle is around 1100 rpm. I checked the vacuum lines while I did the pcv and they look good with no obvious cracks or leaks. The IACV motor is spinning and I cleaned it out. I'm not sure what else i should be looking for. I'd rather not keep running it disconnected. Any ideas, or should I just replace the IACV?

Post by **erikv11** » 27 May 2016, 19:28

I got no more good ideas, but hang around see if you get one. Idle should be around 900.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 28 May 2016, 07:29

Yes, idle is way too high. It does certainly sound like a vacuum leak. Being a turbo car, check your intercooler hoses. Those leaking however will usually cause the car not to start at all of if it does, to stumble and set a MAF code or even a 02 sensor code. The other thing, is it could be the wrong IAC, although I would think this is rare. So pull it off and take it with you to the U-pull and compare with other turbo '96 and up 850's and first year "98 only) S/V/XC70's IAC's. I think the previous owner must have dealt with the IAC too and just gave up and settled for the lower revs with it unplugged. I can't think of anything else at the moment.

Sommerfeldt · Post by **Sommerfeldt** » 28 May 2016, 11:16

Check to see if your throttle pulley is resting against the idle stop. The cable should be taut in that position, but not change the position of the throttle pulley. If that's not the case.... well. Adjust it.

(If you do need to, and do adjust it, make sure the full load stop is correct as well, when - engine off - acc. pedal is floored)

- S