I've been reading the forums about typical maintenance issues. Question I have is about the amount of smoke that comes from the dipstick tube as to whether the breatherbox is clogged. Since this is a 97, and I do not have the maintenance records from previous owner, I can consider that there is some blockage, however when I removed the dipstick to check my oil level yesterday, there was a slight (at least in my view) amount of smoke, about the amount that a smoldering cigarette might produce, coming from the dipstick. I wouldn't in any describe it as "pouring out" or even thick, and there is no smoke from my exhaust upon acceleration or idle. So I'm wondering if that amount I described is normal or "acceptable", or whether I should dig out the wrenches this weekend and take a look at finding the system and unblocking it.

Regards,

Looking for a smoking dipstick can only be done with the engine running. If you see smoke after the engine is off, it means the oil is hot enough to burn off any pollutants. Check it again with a hot engine running.

If you have a turbo, you will need to at least clean the PTC nipple. The NA engines have a PCV valve that needs to be cleaned.

If you use non-synthetic oil, the oil separator may be getting clogged and that requires manifold removal to access the separator.

Klaus
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1967 220 belonging to C.A. lives on

Klaus, I did have the engine running when I saw that amount of smoke -- as I said, about as much as one would see from a lit cigarette sitting in an ashtray. Where is the PCV valve on this thing? What's involved in cleaning it? I have got to find a Haynes for this model.

The PCV is close to the throttle body. It will have a plastic screen inside, which must be thrown away as all it does is clog the system. The valve has a couple of vacuum hoses attached, the small diameter hose may also be clogged so use a small screwdriver to get the gunk out.

http://volvospeed.com/volvo_repairs_how_tos/engine_repairs/flame_trap_replacement.html

Klaus
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1967 220 belonging to C.A. lives on