We were very shocked to find our recently purchased 850 (145,000 miles, from a dealer and a one owner car) was burning a quart per 700-1,000 miles (no leaks). Our independent Volvo repairman said not to worry about adding a quart that often. A different VCOA repairman was quite alarmed and concerned about future damage. Our neighborhood mechanic fixed a crimped vacum line to the crankcase valve (leaking) and suggested using 10W 40 which we just put in. We seem to be doing a tad better, though it looks to be leaking slightly again (nickel size every night). It did pass inspection. What is the potential damage factor? What can be done or checked? Has anyone tried a product called "Engine Restore" and what were the results. Do we have a "lemon"? Thanks.

Well, as you've been told a number of times, don't panic.

For starters, non-synthetic oil will evaporate faster than will synthetic. And part of your loss is likely to be that.

You might want to run an AMSOIL or BG engine flush and see if that helps a bit.
There is also a product called Auto Rx, which takes longer to work, that has gotten very high marks from users.

A few quarts of oil a year are considerably less expensive than a diagnosis and repair (if appropriate).

It also doesn't seem clear that you've established just how much oil is leaking, and how much is being burned. How do you know that it isn't all leak? There are several common leak points, especially with the turbo. If the RMS hasn't been serviced, it could also be a strong candidate.

As a next diagnostic for oil burning, take a look at the condition of the spark plugs. This may give you an indication of ring wear in one or more cylinders. Following that, a compression check will confirm.

I wouldn't put any additive called "Engine Restore" in my car if it was given away for free.

I'd also check the oil level when it's cold and has had a chance to run down and only when the car is on a level surface.

-Samurai Jack

I agree, NO "mechanic in a bottle" product is going to do ANYTHING whatsoever except lighten ones wallet by a couple bucks. Those products are scams.

It's also NOT unusual for ANY higher mileage turbo car to burn some oil. The cure is new piston rings, not valve guide seals. A qt of oil is cheaper than paying the cost to cure that IMHO.

And so you are looking to hear what?

1) Will burning this much oil harm any of the exhaust system components?
2) Has anyone had any luck with the product "Engine Restore" in cutting down oil consumption? I am new to the board. I am a very happy 4 year owner of an '89 240 DL, and a not so happy 10 month owner of the '95 850 GLT.
Thanks.

Just add a qt when needed, drive the car and "be happy". That's not unusual consumption for an older high mileage turbo car. No harm will come anything and anyone saying otherwise wants your money for an overhaul or replacement engine.

Believe it or not, IF the car was new and still under warranty, a qt per 1000 miles is considered "normal consumption" by MOST auto manufacturers even though most newer engines never burn that much.

Don't put ANY additives in the oil, some might HARM the engine or turbo.