Hi there
there is an XC 2002 2.4T for sale that had encountered an oil leak of up to 4 liters. It seems to be near the timing belts on the driver's side as it has hit them and sprayed upward at least onto a hose. I am wondering if it isn't simple like the PCV. Cam seals maybe? Is there a crankshaft seal? Would a rear main seal spray back towards the front?
I am told it was taken home directly (20mins) after oil light came on, on two occasions, the first time losing '4 liters' the last time the people just let the car at their home and then the for sale went on. The people (small country town) say it didn't get run empty of oil.
The only thing is it is 300 km away so I can't view it beforehand and the lady says she can't really get under the car to take picks.
This is the ad: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=699084966
I've got the time and inclination. What have others experienced doing this kind of work?

That is a real gamble. 20 minutes with the oil light on is forever and might have caused ring/bearing damage. 4 liters of oil in a 6 liter system, means it is empty.

It may not be a cam seal, those usually leak and the oil is contained under the plastic cam cover. On top of the engine is the CVVT solenoid, and a ruptured line there will spray everywhere! The solenoid replacement is quite easy and inexpensive, compared to a front cam seal.

But I would be most worried about internal damage to the lower part of the engine.

Thanks,
Quick question
If I fill it with oil, and it starts up well, I put it on ramps and check origin of leak, and then drive it a mile or so, would that tell me if the engine is okay?

"But I would be most worried about internal damage to the lower part of the engine"
Totally hear you,
Cheers

http://volvospeed.com/vs_forum/topic/159754-how-to-replacing-1999-vvt-engine-cam-seals-and-setting-timing/

That was a nice video. The mechanic replaced the exhaust cam pully. Then there would be work to get the seal. Certainly makes the procedure look simple enough.

About your bearings in the VW: I wonder if you could have heard the bearings disintegrating if it weren't in an aircooled Voltswagon.

Doing the VVT is not fun!

As to my old VW, I knew it needed rings as there was so much blowbye, but I could not hear or feel that the crankshaft bearings were completely gone. The mechanic called me and asked if I actually drove the car there or had it towed, he couldn't believe that it still ran!!

Any engine that looses more than 2 quarts is suspect for damage. The oil is no longer splashed around the crankshaft and when the oil light comes on, it is already too late for the rings and cylinder walls. Time for a new engine.

The car got sold, so someone bought it. I hope s/he has a good workshop.

Get on Google and search for changing a cam seal on a VVT engine. Not a fun job!

If you fill it with oil, running the engine may not tell you the whole story, unless something is broken. I once drove an aircooled VW to a dealer, after I ran out of oil. There was a little blowbye at the rings. When the mechanic took the engine apart for a rebuild, he wondered how it could have run - there were no bearings left.

For blowbye at the rings, just take a latex glove and wrap it around the oil filler pipe. Start the engine and if it rapidly inflates, look for a new engine.

Thanks Klaus,

Yeah, I will scrap this idea.
There are a lot of hidden variables.

Based on the location, it is most likely the front camshaft seal. Since your in OZ, the driver's side you refer to is the passenger side in the U.S. correct? Could be the PCV, but I doubt it. Rear main seal is on the other side of the engine. The camshaft seal is probably partially/fully dislodged. That would explain such a massive leak.

Don't know much about the repair, but if it is the camshaft seal you will need to remove the serpentine belt, timing belt, cover etc. to access the seal. Time for new belts and tensioner at a minimum...:)

Definitely do a compression and leakdown test before purchase to verify the engine's condition. The PCV probably needs servicing too since a clogged one might have caused the seal to blow out.

Check the tranny out too. 2002's can have tranny problems.

Thanks J Walker.
Will very likely scrap idea as there are too many ifs.

Just question though, what are detriments to the test-drive method? Fill it with oil, drive it and check