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2002 Volvo V70 XC Leak V70-XC70

posted by  someone claiming to be Peterv on  Tue Dec 15 21:03 CST 2020 [RELATED]

I have a small leak which shows up on the front driver's side. It's semi oily and watery. any ideas?








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    posted by  someone claiming to be on  Wed Dec 31 18:00 CST 1969 [RELATED]

    Not much to go on. Where is the leak, besides the entire left side of the car? What color? Was it raining or in a car wash?
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      posted by  someone claiming to be on  Wed Dec 31 18:00 CST 1969 [RELATED]

      Found out it's the turbo intercooler. May be caused by clogged pcv stuff?



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        posted by  someone claiming to be on  Wed Dec 31 18:00 CST 1969 [RELATED]

        No, a clogged PCV will cause seals to leak due to crankcase over pressurization.

        The inter cooler collects water vapor and oil fumes. If the leak is at a flex joint, replace the flex joint as they get old and porous. Make sure the clamps are tight.

        The older versions of the T5 engine had a weep hole to let the oil/water mix drip out. This usually resulted in the liquid dripping on the splash pan and running down the pan to the driver's side before dripping on the ground.

        Because this only happens under boost, I drilled a 1 inch hole in the splash pan directly under the weep hole. This allowed the fumes and liquid to drip directly on the road rather than collect on the splash pan and leave spots on my concrete garage floor.

        Some Brickboarders suggested taping an absorbent cloth (doggie diaper) to the splash pan and replacing it every other month or so. That is more work than drilling a hole.
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          posted by  someone claiming to be on  Wed Dec 31 18:00 CST 1969 [RELATED]

          Well, thanks a ton. Explains why the leak is oily water. Is my engine one of the older T5s that you mention?



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            posted by  someone claiming to be on  Wed Dec 31 18:00 CST 1969 [RELATED]

            Remove and clean the splash pan - a 10mm screw on each side. Look at the bottom of intercooler on the passenger side for a small hole. Also look on the splash pan for a 'clean spot' directly under the weep hole, before you clean it. It is easy enough to drill a 1 inch hole in the splash pan where the clean spot is.

            If you are ambitious, remove the bottom IC pipe from the inter cooler and clean it. Given the age of the car, you may want to replace all of the IC flexible piping with silicone piping (about $100).

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              posted by  someone claiming to be on  Wed Dec 31 18:00 CST 1969 [RELATED]

              You are a very helpful guy. Couple of questions...why did it take 19 years to "weep"? And why don't I just plug the weep hole up with a screw or something? By the way i'm having my mechanicdo this..I wouldn't know an intercooler from a freight train.



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                posted by  someone claiming to be on  Wed Dec 31 18:00 CST 1969 [RELATED]

                Plugging the IC weep hole would let water build up inside. That would restrict air flow and probably turn to ice in the winter.
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                  posted by  someone claiming to be on  Wed Dec 31 18:00 CST 1969 [RELATED]

                  Alright. But, why is it leaking now...do I have a blockage somewhere causing it to build pressure and leak? Or does the cold ( I live in the mountains) cause more condensation? WHY is thisthing leaking?



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                    posted by  someone claiming to be on  Wed Dec 31 18:00 CST 1969 [RELATED]

                    After 18 years, the O rings in the turbo get worn. That causes a little blow-by of oil. Oil does not dry up like water and accumulates in the bottom of the intercooler. The water, caused by condensation, helps the oil drip out of the weep hole.

                    The real solution is to remove the turbo and replace the O rings, which can be expensive in terms of labor. The parts are around $150 and the labor take at least 4 hours. Most shops would want to replace the turbo with a new/refurbished unit which will cost over $500.

                    You mentioned the PCV might be in need of replacement. That is more important than a little oil blow-by. Make sure you are using 100% synthetic engine oil. If the car has more than 150 miles and still has the original PCV parts, it is time for replacement. And have the mechanic clean out the PTC.
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                      posted by  someone claiming to be on  Wed Dec 31 18:00 CST 1969 [RELATED]

                      Well, OK. The mechanic does want to replce the PCV system for $600 +. Thanks for all your help!!!!



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                        posted by  someone claiming to be on  Wed Dec 31 18:00 CST 1969 [RELATED]

                        Your mechanic is expensive! That is a 3-4 hour job, less if he has done it before. I did it at home in 4 hours, which included cleaning everything and a beer break.

                        Of course, the first time I did it, it took me 8 hours without beer breaks. did have 2 after the engine restarted.
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                          posted by  someone claiming to be on  Wed Dec 31 18:00 CST 1969 [RELATED]

                          This is my back up mechanic and yes...he is expensive. I'm going to get another quote.



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