I;m a 6 time RWD owner (2 240s, 2 740s, 760, 940), looking at an '94 855T. Very nice car, but I was a little concerned by the amount of what appeared to be residual oil or oily, greasy grime along the cross member, and down both sides of the frame, as far back as the muffler. Looking at 2 other 850s on the lot, I did not see the same amount of grime. So, what I'm concerned about is that there is probably a leaking seal somewhere, although I didn't see any spots underneath.

Would you concur? I don't think I'll get this one, but I'd like a little education. I'll probably still get an 850/V70 someday.

Thanks, Tom

Aside from the main seals that Gerald mentioned, the turbos also have a seal that commonly fails in the line that returns oil from the turbo to the sump. I think it's fairly easy to fix. I helped a co-worker a few months ago who was looking at a '94 854T that was leaking in the same spots you described. I suspect it was either the main seal, the return line seal, or both.

I had exactly the situation described. Oil all over the back of the block, pan, crossmember, tranny and undercarriage. I wasn't losing much oil but it sure made a mess. After replacing the turbo oil return pipe O-ring and gasket and cleaning everything thoroughly it's dry as a bone under the car now. Very clean. I just did the same with my '88 745t. Same type gasket and O-ring on the old B230FT. It took 45 minutes to do on the 855t, but much longer on the older car. Go figure. There was more hardware blocking access on the 745t.
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Erwin in Memphis, '88 745t 183,000 miles, '95 855t For Sale

Rear seal failure is happens on high mileage 850's, especially if the flame trap is not serviced (crankcase pressure buildup). The amount of oil you describe is consistent with this problem. Could be something else, so YMMV.

Gerald C

Thanks, Didn't know 850's where susceptible to flame trap problems too, but makes sense.

Tom

Hi all,

If you have one installed you may as well remove it. There was a technical bulletin about this. I haven't had mine in for at least the last 4 years. I just make sure the pipe and entrance to the crankcase are cleaned every say 20k.

mark in the uk.
uk voc 94 850glt 2l 20v,volvo brace,slots,k+n,t5r bumper,193k miles...
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Mark in the UK.