Volvo newbie checking in with a couple issues.

olsdkoolzcar · Post by **olsdkoolzcar** » 16 Sep 2020, 12:30

So I recently acquired a 1998 V70 T5 for dirt cheap. While this isn't my first Volvo, having owned a 1988 760GLE as my first car, it is my first foray into the Turbo Volvo world. I'm currently balls beep in completing a thorough stage-0, but have a few issues that I would like to investigate.
Firstly, the car seems to have a moderate off idle hesitation. Immediately off idle under light throttle it seems to bobble a little bit and then clear up completely as soon as boost starts coming on. Could this possibly be something as simple as a dirty MAF?
Secondly, I've got a terrible oil leak on the top of the valve cover under the spark plug cover. I'm going to assume its either a bad oil filler cap seal or a clogged PCV system. I've got an oil cap on order but I'm debating between a full PCV replacement or going with a catch can. Has anyone done a catch can to replace the clearly problematic PCV system? I cant really see any downside to doing a remote mounted can that doesn't require the removal of the intake to service.

Your thoughts and input are appreciated!
Thanks in advance!

And a couple pics of the $300 turbo box.

Post by **erikv11** » 16 Sep 2020, 12:53

What a steal for $300!

The hesitation near idle sounds like vacuum leak, I would first inspect and/or replace all of the 20 year old rubber vacuum lines and make sure there are no uncapped nipples etc, then see if the hesitation is still there. Does not sound like a MAF issue, FWIW.

Dozens of people have installed variations of catch cans on these turbo engines, there are reports scattered across the forums. It is worth a try if you want to put in the effort to make one work. The oil trap drain ports into the block may well be clogged but as you posted up, no way to know without investing in the lengthy PCV service.

olsdkoolzcar · Post by **olsdkoolzcar** » 16 Sep 2020, 13:01

Vacuum lines are on my lengthy list of things to replace. I've already resolved one leak but judging by the condition of the hoses I'm sure there are more. I'll move that to the top of the list and order a silicone vacuum line kit. It's not nearly as noticeable if you smash the throttle from a dead stop but less than half throttle it is really annoying.
I may attempt the PCV service sometime in the next month or so. I'm really having a hard time justifying spending the money on a factory replacement setup when I could install a catch can system for half the price. I'll probably do a little more investigation into that over the next few weeks.

Post by **matthew1** » 16 Sep 2020, 15:27

Besides ensuring a battery or alternator isn't near-dead -- alive enough to start the car but dead enough to cause dash lights and a 1000 other weird things -- I can't think of a more important Stage 0 item than vacuum lines.

olsdkoolzcar · Post by **olsdkoolzcar** » 16 Sep 2020, 15:32

Well, the car has a brand new starter and battery. The alternator was replaced 2 years ago with a genuine Volvo unit. I come from the land of Datsun S-30 Z cars where vacuum lines are minimal so pardon my underestimating the importance of them in a stage-0.

Post by **erikv11** » 16 Sep 2020, 15:56

You can save a good money (get down to to half the price anyway) on the PCV job by (1) clean out and reuse the oil trap box, it is just a near-hollow plastic box and (2) for the large hose, fashion one yourself see posts by user tryingbe here on the MVS forum. Only the funny shaped hose from the oil trap box to the valve cover and the little short hoses from the trap box to the engine block, need to be purchased new. And I'd go with Volvo branded on those hoses. But I hear you, there are other ways to keep it vented.

Post by **abscate** » 16 Sep 2020, 18:22

The 1999 turbo PCV system is the first with the coolant heated (!) PCV line and the banjo,bolt style vacuum hose. Be careful with those parts

yanga001 · Post by **yanga001** » 17 Sep 2020, 07:45

Stupid question but are you sure that is a 99? It doesnt have side indicators or the blue badge? Looks to be fully loaded so that is a plus.
Post a picture of the engine bay!

Post by **abscate** » 17 Sep 2020, 11:39

Beautiful Nautic Blue, VP colour of champions

Post by **j-dawg** » 17 Sep 2020, 15:18

The PCV isn't too problematic if you change your oil regularly. If you can verify that [the passage between the baffle box and sump] and [the tube and nipple between the baffle box and intake] are both clear, a well-maintained car will not give you PCV issues. If it's been neglected, you may need to clear those flow paths out.

We don't realize how badly most people take care of their cars. My original motor with 270,000 miles was clean inside, no sludge or crusty buildup, with 90,000 miles of documented oil changes at regular intervals. I popped open the junkyard replacement, with 120k, and it was a clogged-up nightmare. If you're the kind of person who knows what a PCV system is, you're not going to have any trouble with it.