Loss of power and oil coming out of dipstick

Post by **alschnertz** » 27 Jul 2017, 16:02

Can you be more specific on what was done with the timing belt service?

Who did the timing belt service?
Not looking for specific names, but was it a garage that is familiar with this car and/or engine?

How many miles on the car?
What was the reason for the timing belt change?
Are you sure the oil is coming out of the dipstick?

Just trying to get some background information.

Post by **alschnertz** » 28 Jul 2017, 02:56

It's weird that the issue started after the timing belt change.
Regardless, the first thing to do is check that the oil level is correct, but it sounds like you already did that.

Oil spewing out of the dipstick tube indicates excessive crankcase pressure.
Volvos of this vintage do tend to suffer from this if their PCV system is blocked.
Next step would be to try the "glove test." This is an easy test to do and only requires a shop glove.

Check out this guy's video on doing the test.
He's very knowledgeable about these cars and posts on this site (though not much in this forum.)

Post by **alschnertz** » 28 Jul 2017, 15:15

If you're a novice, it may be a painful learning experience. It's not terribly difficult, but it is tedious and some automotive knowledge is helpful.

But I'm a bit concerned regarding the "not enough power to go anywhere" comment. I doubt a clogged PCV system would cause that.

Not intending to sound dour, but wouldn't want to see you throwing money away.
I wonder if the mechanic didn't align the timing marks properly when he did the work.
Do you have capabilities to remove the timing covers off the engine?

Post by **alschnertz** » 29 Jul 2017, 01:44

Does a 2000 model have the traction control override switch on the dash?
My '01 does. It's the DSC button.

When the traction control is active, there is a reduction in power.
The switch will disable the traction control function.
However, it would not make the car rev up on its own or spew oil out the dipstick tube.

Post by **alschnertz** » 07 Aug 2017, 14:00

I think you should check the timing marks.

(Sorry to be MIA, but I've been on vacation for the past week and a half and was "off the grid")