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Tailpipe Smoke V70-XC70 1998

My V70 GLT suddenly has a lot of smoke from the tailpipe. 15 minutes after returning from a restaurant, I went out again. One mile later, at the light at the bottom of the hill, the car was enveloped in smoke. I pulled over, left the car running, and observed smoke coming from the tailpipe only. I lifted the hood; no smoke from there. I tried to identify the smell: more oily/rubbery than gasoliney/carbony. And not the smell of a car "burning oil". I couldn't tell how much was water vapor, but this was way more smoke than normal cold-day vapors. Color, in the dark, seemed white (not blue or brown). I immediately turned back home. My rear window view was totally smoked out. By the time I got home, the smoke had diminished, but was still there. Some family members said they had smelled my exhaust while following me on the way back from the restaurant.

Nothing unusual had been noticed during a previous outing today in 30F weather. The car seems to run ok and no dash lights are lit. All trips today were my usual gentle driving (my brake pads will go 100k!) but several cold starts followed by a semi-cold start may have stressed something.

Should the car be driven to the shop? or towed? I don't want to make something worse.

What other clues should I look for?

Thanks!
- Tom
--
98 V70 GLT black 54k








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    Tailpipe Smoke V70-XC70 1998

    Sure sounds like the turbo to me. I'd check the seals--Ive seen a number of them that intermittently leak oil until the finally give up and constantly leak.









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    Tailpipe Smoke V70-XC70 1998

    Might your engines oil level be overfilled?

    It's not trans related as there's no vacuum modulator used in ANY Volvo auto trans.

    Otherwise, coolant level OK? PCV hoses and vacuum lines OK?








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      Tailpipe Oil Smoke V70-XC70 1998

      Glen -

      I just checked the oil. It is 1/4 of the 'safe' area down from the top. This is a change, since I have been monitoring the oil level at every gas fill, and it has remained at the top line on the dipstick since I changed it 1k mi ago. Also it is less than the golden-clean color it was.

      So oil is burning...but how is it getting into the cylinders? What about the turbo?

      - Tom E
      --
      98 V70 GLT black 54k








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        Tailpipe Oil Smoke V70-XC70 1998

        "So oil is burning...but how is it getting into the cylinders? What about the turbo?"

        That's possible but I wouldn't guess at that from here. I highly advise having it inspected by an experienced Volvo dealer tech or a tech elsewhere who's experienced with the newer FWD "white engines" and fuel delivery/turbo systems.








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          Tailpipe Oil Smoke Photo and conditions

          I will drive it to a Volvo tech after New Year's Day. Meanwhile here are some more clues...

          Exhaust is clear upon cold start. 30F outside. about a minute later smoke suddenly emerges from tailpipe. Smoke does appear to have a bluish tint.

          --
          98 V70 GLT black 54k









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            Tailpipe Oil Smoke Photo and conditions

            This is really a guess but I've just seen another car at the shop doing exactly what you have described and shown us; The loss of oil is not being burned in the cylinders (although I'd still have a look at the valves(bore-a-scope) and the plugs) your turbo seals, when cold, looks like it's dumping oil into the exhaust, after warming up and everything swells up the leak goes away.?%#??
            --
            Rich K.








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    Tailpipe Smoke V70-XC70 1998

    White smoke is either water vapor or automatic transmission fluid. Monitor the level of each, if the smoking continues. Burning Automatic Transmission Fluid is normally caused by a failed vacuum modulator. I'm assuming the Volvo trans has one. Most automatics do. (Mine a 5 speed, so I can't go and look.







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