Let's Talk Flame Trap Elbow. (Part of the pcv system)

callahanoffroad · Post by **callahanoffroad** » 14 Jul 2019, 06:02

When I was installing my fancy new short throw shifter I noticed that the connection between my flame trap bushing and my flame trap elbow was leaking oil. Has anyone else ever noticed that? I'm going to go ahead and order a new flame trap elbow and bushing with this week's part order. But was just wondering if anyone else has run into this.

For the record I have a 95 n/a. I have modified the oil trap to intake tube with a 5/8" heater hose.

Post by **Clemens** » 14 Jul 2019, 09:10

I think it is common to throw out the oil trap because as far a I remember it is not necessary (Volvo deleted this part after 95) and is known to get clogged. If it is clogged, I can easily imagine oil leaking from somewhere.

How has the short throw shifter been so far?

callahanoffroad · Post by **callahanoffroad** » 14 Jul 2019, 16:37

Clemens wrote: 14 Jul 2019, 09:10 I think it is common to throw out the oil trap because as far a I remember it is not necessary (Volvo deleted this part after 95) and is known to get clogged. If it is clogged, I can easily imagine oil leaking from somewhere.

How has the short throw shifter been so far?

Short throw is amazing. I can't imagine driving without it now. When I shift I can get into gear before the rpms fall out of the proper rev range. Makes rev matching a breeze. Makes my little NA engine feel like a sporty engine. Makes me really want a turbo, a sport suspension, some upgraded sway bars, and some days off with twisty roads. There's potential in this here brick... I can feel it in my bones.

Post by **erikv11** » 14 Jul 2019, 17:39

Definitely throw out the flame trap disc if you haven't already.

That connection at/near the elbow pretty much always leaks. The crux is probably the o-ring inside the flame trap housing, or of course rotting elbows.

Some possible solutions:
- get rid of the elbow and hard line it attaches to, just use a piece of rubber or silicone vacuum line there. Less fuss less muss.
- get the flame trap housing squeaky clean then slather RTV all over it like it's Floyd's BBQ rub sauce.

A pic and some discussion for both of those can be found in the references to "line 3" at viewtopic.php?t=65002

callahanoffroad · Post by **callahanoffroad** » 14 Jul 2019, 18:02

Yeah I pitched the little white flame trap itself, but there are two other parts, the flame trap bushing attached to the intake tubing and flame trap elbow. The elbow screws into the bushing. I'll take a look at that thread. I'm 90% convinced my smoking dip stick is from poor vacuum at the elbow. My piping flows well and none of it is clogged. I just think the elbow doesn't hold vacuum well hence the oil seepage.