Hello Volvo Forums,

I am a new member. It is a bittersweet to finally have a to post here despite reading many threads and learning a lot of good info over the years. Ive owned my 1991 740 base model wagon for about 3 years. Since that time, Ive replaced a lot and have grown very fond of it.

Anyway, around February I noticed a few drips of oil after each drive appearing on the driveway and as I started to pay closer attention i noticed it was happening every time it drove. The oil seems to be leaking from just above the water pump and is dripping down the engine/water pump. Sure enough, i clean the water pump and above areas and after about a 30 mile drive theres a good amount on the part where i had just cleaned.

Any theories of what the problem may be?

Thank you for any information you may be able to provide.

 

Camshaft Front Seal, pretty common. Seal costs a couple of dollars, labor?

 

Would also check the valve cover gasket as well. That is fairly easy to replace.

 

I should hope that it would be obvious if the leak is from the valve cover or from the cam seal...

 

Cam seal requires pulling off timing belt. Advanced job, but good learning experience. Have fun and adjust valves while in there.

 

If you do cam seal, honestly might as well do front aux and crank seals.

HOWEVER, when setting seals make sure they are just barely set in from flush (couple mm). When I did the front seals I buried 'em, set WAY to far back and oil would just blow right out and past. So don't bury those suckers.

 

Nah. He would need a crank holder to to get crank pulley off. Top timing cover is tough to get on with accessory belts on too BTW, but its possible. I usually cut a chunk of cover off to clear the pump pulley if doing an upper can seal the quick and dirty way.

OP- if ya are having probs locating an oil leak, I unfortunately do NOT think doing your own timing belt removal/partial removal is in your near future. Prob should have a pro do it.

 

That top seal can be done without removing the t-belt completely but it is a little tricky: I take the top- t belt cover off, remove the pulley BUT keep the belt in the same position by clamping it in place. Then do the seal in-n-out, slap the pulley back on in the same position, done! Admittedly, this is not recommended for the novice. Still, if you screw up, no damage, then just do it right...

Also, as in all oil leaks, first make sure that the PCV system is clear and not building pressure which blows out the seals...