BrickBoard Archives
The files contained in this listing have been automatically archived from the active forums. Because the vast majority of posts are now in one place, this archive is considered legacy. You should use the SEARCH feature OR choose your topic and select date tabs within the forum you choose.
Excessive Crankcase Pressure[200/1983] posted by John Mark Vaughn on
Sunday, 8 November 1998, at 10:11 p.m.
The folks at the Volvo factory website suggested I contact you... after
seeing some of your posts, I am most impressed! Now, I NEED HELP!!! My '83
DL wagon (B23F) has recently developed a case of extreme crankcase pressure. I noted on more than one occasion that the oil dip-stick had been blown up from the tube, spraying oil throughout the engine compartment. I replaced the original flame-trap element with the newer factory plastic resin type, cleaned the manifold orfices, changed the oil and filter and checked the results. Once again, the oil dip-stick was blown up, and another oil-bath was applied to the engine compartment. The only way I can make he dipstick remain in place is to use an elastic cord holding the stick to the manifold. I am obviously missing something here... How else can I relieve this pressure? Will a crankcase flush with a recognized cleaner help? Is there another area where sludge may be blocking the PCV system? I am at my wit's end here, and really need the knowledge of one of you gurus out there. I love this machine more than any vehicle I have ever possessed, and want to maintain it in the best possible condition till death do us part! Thanks for ANY input!
John Mark Vaughn
Re: Excessive Crankcase Pressure[200/1983] posted by Don Foster on
Monday, 9 November 1998, at 6:10 a.m.
John --
Paul's succinct answer is right -- let me expand.
On your B23 engine, the major components of the crankcase ventilation system needing attention are:
- The large hose from intake manifold to top of flame trap assembly.
- The flame trap housing.
- The flame arrestor, now white plastic (formerly brass).
- The large lower hose from flame trap to top of "breather box".
- "Breather box".
- Small hose from flame trap assembly to fitting in intake manifold.
- Fitting mentioned above.
Volvo sells a replacement flame trap kit that may be more useful than trying to recover a badly varnished (and hardened) housing. The small vacuum hose, and the manifold fitting, are notorious for becoming plugged. The hose you replace for $0.25. The fitting can be reamed out with a piece of wire and carb cleaner.
The breather box has been mentioned several times -- it can be removed carefully, washed out, and reinstalled. (Be careful to NOT tug on the hose inside the block that meets this hose.)
If these are all fine and you have vacuum at the two vacuum lines, then you might have a serious engine problem, such as a bad ring. This is very rare with that engine.