I called up the garage to ask about a compression check and the tech convinced me to first get an accurate measure of the oil comsumption before paying money to dig around. As some of you posted, the flame trap replacement may solve the problem (fingers crossed!)

Since the flame trap replacement, no noticeable smoke on startup but I still am getting some kind of burning odour coming from either the exhaust or underneath the car. Not sure if it's oil burning or if it has something to do with a recent exhaust manifold and muffler replacement. We'll find out.

So it'll be a little while before I have the oil burn measure but I'll keep posting the progress.

Thanks for your replies - they're a huge help.

Hi wagoneer,

I'm agree with Matt: have a compression test done before going any further

I'm having the same problem with wifes '95 850 --> 198K on the clock she's burning oil at the rate of 1/2 liter per 3,800-4,000 Km, also blue smoke is visible on start-up wich means of a strong possibility of worns valve seals not the pistons rings and it might be the main problem according to my mechanic.

I'm scheduled next week for a compression test on mine and I'll let you know
--
Ken

Hi

With that mileage you oil consumption is too bad!

To determine wear in the cylinders have your Volvo technician perform a compression test. If you ask for a copy of the results please post them on this site as there are some excellent mechanics who WILL give you an honest report.

This will show the real state of your motor.

You might just have a blocked engine breather (under the inlet manifold), replacing this is a lot cheaper than new rings and valves. Will give you a few more thousands of kilometres.

Matt 93 850 GLT auto

are you getting noticable blue smoke coming out? Or is that what they are telling you at the dealer? 1/2L on 4k is pretty good. I think you should just keep an eye on things for the next 4k and see if the flametrap is full of oil again and if the start burning alot of oil. How old was that flametrap?