Volvo AWD Forum

INDEX FOR 10/2025(CURRENT) INDEX FOR 5/2004

[<<]  [>>]


THREADED THREADED EXPANDED FLAT PRINT ALL
MESSAGES IN THIS THREAD




  REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

1995 850 Turbo wagon - Oil in Coolant System

posted by  someone claiming to be Rick on  Sat Mar 29 05:02 CST 2008 [RELATED]

We have a 1995 850 turbo wagon with 145K miles. I had what appeared to be oil in the coolant reservoir. Several days a go I had the cooling system mechanically flushed. Today, just three days later, I am again seeing signs of oil in the reservoir. The system was pressure tested with no sign of leaks or lost pressure. There is absolutely no indication of water in the oil system. This car has had all required maintenance since new.

Can anyone tell me a possible cause for the oil showing up in the cooling system? Is the turbo cooled by coolant and possibly a seal someplace in the turbo that could be failing? Any input is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Rick








  •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE Replies to this message will be emailed.    PRINT   SAVE 

    1995 850 Turbo wagon - Oil in Coolant System

    posted by  KlausC on  Sat Mar 29 05:29 CST 2008
    Author: [PROFILE] [EVERY POST] [THREADS] [BEST POSTS] RSS Feed     [IGNORE ALL POSTS]
    last visit: Fri Oct 24 10:15 CST 2014
    [RELATED]

    There have been reports of the radiator failing, allowing oil to mix with the coolant. The other possibility would be a head gasket failure, but that is very expensive to diagnose.
    Remember, the oil pressure can get much higher than the coolant pressure at 3-5,000 rpm, and if there is a crack in the oil cooler the oil will flow into the radiator in small amounts.

    Klaus
    --
    The 164 has a new home, all I am left with are a 95 854T and a 98 V70R :)








    •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

      1995 850 Turbo wagon - Oil in Coolant System

      posted by  someone claiming to be Rick on  Sat Mar 29 12:35 CST 2008 [RELATED]

      Thanks Klause –

      After further research I’m starting to lean towards the radiator. Our 850 has never overheated so I think the head gasket is a long shot. I will replace the radiator next weekend and flush the coolant system again. Unfortunate, I replaced the radiator about 35K ago with an aftermarket brand when the neck for the upper hose cracked on the factory unit. I now regret saving the $$ on the cheaper radiator I bought online. Do you have any input on the quality of the radiators sold at IPD – I live about 15 minute’s from their facility. Or – should I just go with a factory unit from the dealer? Thank you








      •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE Replies to this message will be emailed.    PRINT   SAVE 

        1995 850 Turbo wagon - Oil in Coolant System

        posted by  KlausC on  Sat Mar 29 13:19 CST 2008
        Author: [PROFILE] [EVERY POST] [THREADS] [BEST POSTS] RSS Feed     [IGNORE ALL POSTS]
        last visit: Fri Oct 24 10:15 CST 2014
        [RELATED]

        Call IPD and ask if they carry OEM or Nissens. Did you replace the top and bottom hoses the last time? If not, get new ones. Remember not to tighten the clamps too hard, over tightening can cause the plastic neck to fail.
        Get new O rings for the oil and tranny lines also.

        Klaus
        --
        The 164 has a new home, all I am left with are a 95 854T and a 98 V70R :)







<< < > >>



©Jarrod Stenberg 1997-2022. All material except where indicated.


All participants agree to these terms.

Brickboard.com is not affiliated with nor sponsored by AB Volvo, Volvo Car Corporation, Volvo Cars of North America, Inc. or Ford Motor Company. Brickboard.com is a Volvo owner/enthusiast site, similar to a club, and does not intend to pose as an official Volvo site. The official Volvo site can be found here.