My oil filler cap gasket leaks enough that oil drips all over the side of the engine. My first impression was that I had a leaky valve cover or someting, but after cleaning the engine pretty well and re-checking, it seems that the cap seal is the culprit. Is this a problem with most/all of these engines?

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Is the cap seal a dealer only item that costs as much as a muffler-bearing at one of those crooked garages? Or is it a common $.05 part that you can get at WallMart? Thanks again, and sorry for the (although not to me) trivial post.

Start with the simplest solution and then work up to more complicated ones. I had the same problem, passed the "jiggle test" and discovered, lo and behold, it was a hardened old rubber gasket, so I went to my local Volvo dealer (yes, dealer) and they just gave me a new one for free (which leads me to think it probably can't really cost $15 for a new one - that is what I paid for a valve cover gasket). I was very pleased. (Thanks to Keeler Volvo, Colonie, NY) Haven't had much of a problem since. Good luck.

Sounds like you have positive crankcase pressure. Be sure your flame trap 'n associated plumbing, including the oil separator are free and clear. Try the "jiggle test." Your engine crankcase should have about 1"-2" (inches of water) of vacuum at idle.

Don Foster (near Cape Cod, MA)

Thomas,

I embarrassed to report that I paid $15.97 for the gasket, PN 1378870-8 at my dealer. I had bought a bunch of other stuff and didn't notice the price.

I had a little bit of an oil film that would form on the valve cover, fore and aft. Replacing the gasket fixed this.

The only other thing I would say is check your PCV system to make sure that you also aren't pressurizing the crankcase/motor.

Greg

The gasket is available aftermarket for not much more than a buck, I think. I have a bag of them at the shop. Check IPD or your local independant volvo shop, or post again and I'll mail you one.