4 replies to this topic

[rocketman4321]

I've been trying to chase down an oil leak for a while. Leaves a drip or two in the driveway every time it's parked, and there's some noticeable use, not bad, but a quart every 1-2k. It appears to be dripping off the bottom of the turbo housing and onto the rear engine mount, then down. Also hitting a wire and a hose in there. The PCT housing seems rather oily on the outside. No signs of leaks on the back of the engine, the turbo return line itself, the "RMS" weep hole between the engine and the tranny

PVC was done 13k ago shortly after buying the car (and it needed it). Replaced rear cam seals (leaking slightly) and the return line seal and o-ring (precaution only) about the same time. The PCT is clear and there's no oil under the spark plug cover. The right driveshaft seal on the tranny is dry. I did have some leakage down the outboard side of the tranny and underneath it, but that doesn't get to a drip in the right place, and it seemed to be coming from a leaking sensor o-ring on top that I replaced. Bottom of the oil pan is dry and a little too far forward--the drip is centered between the wheels, or maybe just behind them.

Is it coming from where the PCT goes into the turbo intake hose? What else is in the area that I'm missing? Thanks!

[the commissar!]

If it is not the oil return on the turbo I would look at the rear cam seal again.

[FCP Groton]

Just because the PCV was replaced, that does not mean the oil leak will stop for good. Once the seal is compromised, it will never seal correctly again.

[mikus]

with that consumption rate I'd tend to think you're pushing oil past the turbo seals or down the valves/rings a bit. Neither is the end of the world really (the latter less good of course)

Is the oil collecting as drops at the bottom of the compressor housing? Are your IC pipes oily at the seams? If yes, the snail's probably pushing a bit of oil. Not the end of the world, not uncommon for volvos

[rocketman4321]

It does collect as a drip on the bottom of the turbo, but also on the intake pipe to the left of fat part of the housing. There's a little oil in all the charge air lines, but I wouldn't say the joints are oily except maybe the one right off the turbo. In fact, that short hose between the turbo outlet and the rigid pipe that runs over the engine is a bit oily. There's also definitely oil in the intake hose to the turbo, but I assume that's normal--coming through the PCV hose via the PCT?