Hello All,

I just purchased a 2002 S60 T5 from the original owner, with a 130,000 miles on the odometer. I had the car checked out thoroughly by my private mechanic and he said the car was in great shape. There were no leaks anywhere, even on the turbocharger housing. The prior owner, changed the oil on a regular basis, and only used 5W-30W regular oil. He wanted to use synthetic, but his private mechanic told him not to do so.

I plan on chaining the oil soon and also plan on using synthetic oil, in part to protect the turbocharger. I recall reading comments on this website that said if you change a car from petroleum based oil to synthetic oil, you run the risk of creaking oil leaks. I would like to switch to synthetic, but I don’t want to create oil leaks, where none exist presently. I would like to hear the opinions of the Volvo community. Thank you to all who respond.

Hugh

Switch to synthetic. Then time the oil changes to 5-7500 miles, once a year for my limited driving. 5K for around town, 7500 for highway. I doubt that you will have any leaks resulting from the change.

Your engine will love the synthetic oil. Change it yourself, Walmart has great prices.
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My back feels better when I sit in a Volvo seat

Klaus,

Thank you. As I mentioned above, I want to protect this investment. I purchased this car as a “gift to myself” and just want the ownership experience to be a positive one. The maintaince history is complete and excellent on this car. The prior owner (and first) was more of a “gear head” than I’ll ever be, so I am thankful. I confess, since this is such a “new car” to me, you might see quite a few postings with questions.

Hugh

Ditto.

I bought a V70 with 155,000 miles on it and a questionable maintenance history. I switched to synthetic and never experienced any leakage.

Good, bad, or indifferent, I'm using Walmart synthetic and so far no issues at 215,000 miles. $17 + change for a 5-qt jug.

Oh, and I switched the wife's S80 to WM syn at about 80,000 miles. No issues there either.
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Current rides: 2005 Volvo S80 2.5T, 2003 Volvo V70 2.4NA, 1973 Volvo 1800ES (fixed the ignition - now back to the brakes again)

Chris,

Thank you for your reply and encouragement. Thanks to you and Klaus, I know that Walmart (the store I love to hate!) has synthetic oil. I will check it out. Typically I’ll buy a case from BJ’s or Costco. I never knew Walmart sold synthetic oil.

Hugh

Definitely make the switch to synthetic oil!

Using that will not only be good for the turbo but it will help keep the PCV system clean.

You might get a little leaking at first after converting to synthetic but it will disappear eventually. The reason the seals might leak is the synthetic will clean the built up grunge off the seals. After the seals are cleaned, their flexibility will be restored and so will their leak resistance. The leaks will gradually stop.

Good luck with the "new to you car"!

JWalker,

I wanted to thank you for your comment about the PCV. This car has 130,000 miles, and the prior owner did change the oil religiously at the factory specified intervals (I believe every 7,500 miles) and there is a documented history to back this up. I have not been able to confirm the PCV has been replaced. My private mechanic said you know when to replace it when you see the tell-tale signs of pressure building up. This car did pass the “rubber glove” test of placing a glove on the opening of the oil filler cap opening. By switching to synthetic, perhaps I can avoid ever having to replace the PCV.

Hugh

JWalker,

Thank you for your response and “Good Luck”. I feel a little guilty about buying this car. Did I need it? No. Did I want it? Yes! With that sentiment, I just want to “protect this extravagant purchase” and make it as economical as possible. You know, even though it “13 years old” it still to me, feels like a “new car”. It is very different from my two trusty 850, stick wagons. In a “perfect world” I would have found a V70T5 wagon, but they are rare, but so far (“The Honeymoon Period”) this car has been a pleasure.

Hugh