I have been bragging up my '89 brick with 280,000 miles on it. "Doesn't burn any oil at all," I say.
Last Sunday I noticed some white/gray smoke coming up from the rear of the car as I drove it. When I parked and looked in the engine compartment, there was a bunch of oil on the lower firewall and rear of the engine. While I sat there a puddle formed under the rear of the engine.
I had a quart of oil with me, so I put it in and drove the car 5 miles home. The temp gauge stayed where it always is, and the car ran the same as it always does. But there was a line of oil drips about 6" apart coming up the driveway, and the puddle formed again.
What is the diagnosis?

Thank you all. I will let you know what I find.
Doesn't look like a very tough 'fix,' so the Brick will live on.

Hi Joning52,




You can reach out your hand at the back of the head and feel for this circular rubber disc and an excessive oil leak. If you don't have it, that means it blew off as other have mentioned. You can also use a small mirror to check it.






This is a shot of my rear main seal leak. It was very early stage. There is an oil drip formed by the transmission cooling line holder. It was caused by a clogged oil separator.

I second the clogged oil separator. I experienced this on two cars. when I changed out the separator, I was one of the fortunate ones, my leaks stopped.
--
Happy Motoring! 92' and 93' 240's past cars "74 140, '75 140, '86 240, '87 240 wagon, '02 S60.

If you ran your eng out of oil, it would probably seize before you saw any increase in temp. Temp is a function of coolant, oil is strictly for lub. Probably start hearing some knocking etc.
--
Post Back. That's whats makes this forum work.

Shooting from the hip at a target in cyberspace, I'd aim for the rear cam plug being pushed out by excessive crankcase pressure. The problem happens often enough that IPD can sell a strap to bolt that thing on the back, and of course, clean flame traps and oil labyrinths for your positive crankcase ventilation scheme.

Does your car's engine oil dipstick try to climb out of its socket?
--
Art Benstein near Baltimore

People who live on that "New Car Smell" and have their Credit Score memorized better than their own birthday will ALWAYS say you're Crazy. -punk240 Tim

I agree with Art.

Question is, have I ever disagreed with Art?

I think Art has nailed this, it has happened to me.
Dan

Indeed!

Uncle Art B. is RWD Volvo ROCK and ROLL!!!!

cheers,

dud.

Yes, indeed. He is one of kind. Art, thank you. Now, can you please answer my question? :D

Thank you as always to all our members!

I spit red wine all over my keyboard.

Been there and almost done that. :)

https://www.brickboard.com/RWD/volvo/1537135/220/240/260/280/convince_spouse_need_another_240_house.html

If not as Art and Dan suggested - it could be -- heaven forbid -- a blown out rear main seal. -- Dave