I need help. I have an oil leak somewhere but cannot locate it. It looks like is is coming from the bottom of the engine but it's not. I have washed the engine several times but still cannot locate it. I went on a road trip (300+ miles) yesterday and when I pulled out of the garage this morning the floor had a large puddle on it. I opened the hood and the top of teh engine around the oil cap and cover that covers the spark plugs had oil on it and looked as though it was dripping down teh engine. I know the oil cap gasket needs to be replaced every few oil changes but could it casue a puddle the size of an average dinner plate?

Thanks,
John

'95 850 113k
'99 S70 89K

Don't be too lax about this.
Oil leaking from the filler cap indicates a plugged PCV system. The filler cap gasket does need to be replaced periodically, but a gross leak resulting in the top of the engine being covered in oil is not indicative of this.

If you have a plugged PCV system, it will blow your engine seals, resulting in an expensive repair. I have a 98 V70XC that had a plugged PCV system. It only became apparent after a long trip where the engine blew most of its oil out of the oil filler cap. My PCV was plugged solid.

My best advice is to take it to the dealer and have them do a pressure test on it. It may just be the cap gasket, but it is worth a diagnostics fee to find out before you ruin the motor.

Hi,
If it`s a turbo maybe check the o-ring on the turbo return line. It`s a common problem & no big deal.
Rich

My 850 wagon sprung a leak too. I thought is oil pan. After a closer look, it was the axle seal on the right-side. This is where the drive axle enters into the transmision. The transmission fluid leaked out onto the drive axle and splash everywhere. Unfortunetly, the tranning fluid was dirty, I couldn't tell the difference from engine oil. Hope this helps.

Replace your oil cap gasket, it gets hard over time and stops sealing properly. You can get the gasket at the dealer or order from FCP Groton...you could also replace the cap..I believe it has a better design now. You should also consider clenaing your Flame Trap (If you have a non-Turbo) or your PCV system if you have a Turbo..if either of these are dirty or clogged they can cause increased crank case pressure and cause oil to leak elsewhere. Since you said there was oil around your oil cap then the most likely source is a bad gasket in the cap...very cheap repair..and yes you can loose quite of bit of oil through the cap if the gasket is bad.

-Scott