sdancer Posted May 21, 2014 Report Share Posted May 21, 2014 So as the title states, I am getting blue smoke after medium to long idles at stop lights. No smoke on startup. I know this commonly means that valve stem seals are bad. However, about two years ago I had the seals replaced by a reputable Volvo repair shop. I also did the pcv job around three years ago. I first noticed the smoke after changing from Castrol gtx high mileage (had been running since my first self oil change) and Napa Gold filter to Valvoline full synthetic and Volvo OEM filter (from fcp). Since then I have gone back to the gtx oil and gold filter. The smoke seems to be a bit less but is still prevalent, could just be my imagination though. Both setups used 10W-30. From what I have read after searching is that the turbo could also be a culprit though the valve stem seals are more often blamed. However, I find it hard to believe that in two years my seals are already bad? Mileage on the car is about 135,000 btw. Other recent stuff that I have done within a month or two of the smoke include replacing my old cone filter (the one that comes with the ipd kit) with a new K&N filter, installing silicone intercooler hoses, new distributor, and OEM plugs. Not sure if most of that stuff matters but I just figured Id give as much background as possible. What do you guys think? Anything I can do to test before I dump more money? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keaton85 Posted May 21, 2014 Report Share Posted May 21, 2014 I would personally keep 40weight oil in these motors. Either Pennzoil platinum or Rotella T6 5W or 10W-40. Anyway, with the smoke, did the shop replace with Volvo valve stem seals? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sdancer Posted May 21, 2014 Author Report Share Posted May 21, 2014 Ok maybe ill switch on my next oil change. I have the service record in front of me here, and all it says is that they cost 87.00 total (4.35 ea). I would believe that that price, along with the fact that they were a Volvo only repair shop up until a few years ago, would lead me to believe that they were OEM. Would a heavier (10w40 is heavier right?) oil help possibly or is that just a recommendation more on durability and wear protection? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gdog Posted May 24, 2014 Report Share Posted May 24, 2014 No smoke at startup means it's not the valve guide seals. So it's either the turbo or piston rings. BTW: 10-30 for winter; 10-40 for summer. I like the valvoline maxlife. OE Mann filters; get them by the 10-pack from either fcp or ipd; have 'em throw in some crush washers while you're at it.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keaton85 Posted May 24, 2014 Report Share Posted May 24, 2014 Why would you go back and forth? Just keep it at 40weight Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cn90 Posted May 24, 2014 Report Share Posted May 24, 2014 The Volvo shop that replaced the valve seals: what BRAND did they use? Re Oil Weight. In the summer I use 15W50 Mobil 1 synthetic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keaton85 Posted May 24, 2014 Report Share Posted May 24, 2014 15W-50? why so heavy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
volvoskiah Posted May 24, 2014 Report Share Posted May 24, 2014 15W-50? why so heavy Because diesel? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keaton85 Posted May 24, 2014 Report Share Posted May 24, 2014 Even a lot of diesels don't ever run that heavy. I run 40 T6 in my TDI Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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