All, just noticed a puddle of oil after stopping real quick for milk. Level on dipstick was still ok, but i am having a hard time finding the source. The oil return lines seem really wet but not leaking such that would explain the puddle under the car. Is one of the lines prone to leaking in an area other than what I noticed from crawling under the car? I am dropping it off Tomorrow and not driving it at all, i took a flashlight and poked around looking down into the engine. It seems there is a small puddle "under" the turbo and pooling on what I am thinking is the top of the tranny.

I know folks have had a "small" leak when the gasket for the return line goes but i'd say I have more than just a small leak.

Car is running fine BTW, just hoping its not anything like the seals between the engine blocks. Again without really cleaning the area or having a lift (or ramps right now) I wasn't able to see too much....just wondering if anyone knew of the oil volume that leaks if one of the lines really "goes"...and if it would seem logical to pool on top of where I noticed (under turbo, guessing its the top of the tranny assy).

Thanks
steve

Take a 10mm ratchet and pull of the airguide, that way any drips under the oil cooler lines will hit the ground and not pool on the air guide. These lines are quite expensive and not fun to replace because of the single screw that holds them to the block.

The turbo oil return line has a history or leaking at the seal. Parts are cheap and the dealer can replace it in 1/2 hour.

You need to look at the rear cam seal. It is the other round thing to the right (rear) of the distributer. Any oil coming from there will migrate around the back of the engine and drip down. The cam seal gets pushed out of place by excessive crankcase pressure, nothing else. It is easy to replace, but the cause of the pressure must be fixed.

Are you sure the puddle of oil was yours and not someone elses? You should also have the same amount where you normally park.

Klaus

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More info would be helpful. What's the mileage on the car? The classic volvo oil leak is from the oil separator. They tend to get plugged up with coke at around 100k miles. It's under the intake manifold, but the leak can spread all over. If you think the turbo oil lines are leaking, my advice is to clean the leaking oil thoroughly, then look again for the leak before it has a chance to spread. Good luck!

Alas,

a closer look revealed it was the cam shaft seal as Klaus had described. Easy fix, however PCV will need some attention as its only allowing for a very small vacuum at idle in the crankcase.

Now, must find a car wash with an undercarriage washer, it's truly amazing how much oil will travel down the length of the car.

steve

Steve, is this car a turbo? If so, clean out the PCT nipple in the intake pipe. If that is clogged, that will mess things up nicely! Not easy to do, remove the intake pipe from the turbo and air cleaner, unplug the electricals from the PCT, and clean the valve. Carb cleaner, a very small screwdriver to scrape out the buildup, and an hour of careful work.

The hard part is putting the pipe back on the turbo.

Klaus
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