Hello everyone, i'm new to Volvo so I've got a few questions here:
Bought a 98' V70 xc from a trusted Volvo mechanic. Lately have been burning a lot of oil, i just put 2 quarts in after 1500 miles since oil change. A few symptoms i'm trying to figure out; 1. Tons of milky moisture built up on the dipstick, from top to bottom. Takes 5-6 wipes to get a reading, dipstick tube is gunked up as well. I know it's common for a little in cold weather but this is bad! 2. Quite a bit of exhaust/smoke from tailpipe. 3. Smoke from dipstick while at idle temperature.
-I haven't noticed any oily film in the coolant reservoir. The car does sometimes take maybe 3-4 seconds to turn over before it starts in the morning. He did replace many major parts before selling it to me including camshaft seals, starter motor, timing belt, and others. Does all this sound like I'm going to need head gaskets and a new PCV system? And if so is it going to cause other major issues to be driving it daily?
Sorry for the long post, I appreciate any help!! Thanks

 

Hi and welcome to VolvoForums.

Not sure where you are located so I can't say about smoke out the tail pipe. However, if the car is smoking out of the dip stick and loosing oil, I'd say you likely need a PCV system replacement.

If you drain the oil into a clean pan and it looks good, don't worry about the sludge on the dip stick. You can pour the oil back in the motor is you put it in a clean pan. If the oil looks bad, like coffee with cream, then yes worry about a head gasket.

Make sure the car has either a Mann or Volvo oil filter.

Drive the car, just keep the oil topped off.

Head gasket is not likely unless it was overheated prior to you purchasing it.

Read the NEW 850 OWNER THREAD in the 850 section.

 

I only have a Chilton manual that's not too informative. How DO you change out
the PCV valve (flame trap) on a B5254T engine?

Thanks.