Oka » 2005 XC90 V8 – Need to wash this very clay-dusty engine bay. No pressure washing, just with garden hose ‘rain’ setting, after spraying all with Simple Green. What should I be watchful of, or a must cover, before washing?
MoVolvos » A 2005 does not have a drain hole at the bearing end of the balance shaft. From prior research over 5 years ago when I was considering a V8, it was moisture that damaged the bearing. Around 2007 or so Volvo began drilling a hole from the factory. Lots of info online on this topic so before washing do some research.
ggleavitt » Hole dates and vehicle application are hit or miss IMO, can see here for a 2006 (16k SN) and a 2008 (32k SN), one has a hole and the other does not- viewtopic.php?p=591510#p591510 . Motors below SN 6833 were supposed to be an issue requiring recall level rework as far as I ever read.
Motor wash and the V8 is a concern you get water into the CB shaft “well” where the rear bearing is installed and it sits then rusts the bearing. If you choose to wet up the motor- do it warm, go easy on the front mid to top (belts, alternator) and don’t dump a bunch of water right down the top rear (see where valley is located). Then take the vehicle out for a nice run afterwards and get the motor up to hot. When you park, leave the hood open and let everything dry completely. V8’s a big motor and between that spot is part of the block. The idea of spraying the motor down with some Simple Green does not sound like a problem to me, just be a little careful where you’re spraying and how much water you put down the top.
**For those wishing to scope out the V8 CB shaft rear bearing well themselves, location is articulated here- viewtopic.php?p=517385&hilit=valley#p517385 and the scopes are real cheap these days (phone based or standalone). You have to do a little bending and twisting to get the camera properly positioned but once you figure it out it’s pretty easy to see.
