Ok. Got a 97 850 (no turbo). Ran well when I purchased a month ago and a little better now. Been diagnosing and fixing things. Replaced timing belt because of no indication when it had been done (190,000 miles). Maintenance seems to have been good. One of the last problems is an oil leak.

It's not leaking much, and during my short haul with it (700 miles) there is no appreciable oil loss. Just getting oil on the front of the engine. During the repair I had oil on the top of the engine. Turned out that it would seep out of the oil filler cap so I replaced it. That stopped the leak there. Now (and probably before as well) I seem to be leaking oil out of the top of the dipstick tube. I am going to replace the o-ring on the dipstick so maybe that will stop.

Am I missing something obvious? I am not a mechanic, nor do I play one on TV, but if this was my MG exhibiting these symptoms, I'd be looking at installing new piston rings, because of blow-by.

Bottom line. I drive about 1000 miles a year. Can I or should I just clean this up and ignore it?

 

You need to check the vent box system (PCV).There is a flame sheild in the induction hose by the throttle body.Check that and make sure it isn't clogged.Sounds like you have excessive pressure build up in the crank case.

 

Hmmm...my 850 leaks from the oil fill cap too - is that an indication of other problems?! Thanks.

 

Most of the time it means clogged vent system.

 

Hmmm, I have a similar problem with my 97 850. Acts like my old pickup did when the pcv valve was clogged--blows oil out the filler cap. I thought pvc, so got a Chiltons and followed the pictures showing how to replace the flame trap--no flame trap because mine is a turbo. So, what would be the next logical step?

While looking for that non-existant flame trap, I did notice oil in the hoses leading to the intake manifold? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

The vent box may be clogged.
Also see if your intercooler has a drain plug and make sure there is no extra oil in it.
The come from the factory with a little hole drill in it to help drain the oil.But some had an extra drain plug.

 

This is common on these engines, you have a problem with a EGR vacuum line or hose. When you take the cover off to expose the spark plugs, do you see oil in the spark plug holes. If you do, the EGR hose that is in the middle front towards the front of the car is leaking and/or the valve cover seals are leaking. Volvos are known for engine leaks, because the EGR system is not very sturdy.
You can put up with it and it will not harm your engine, as long as you check your oil before you drive.

 

my 94 850 has oil on top of the engine but not in the spark plug holes i have had the car for a few years as a back burner project no maitence to the egr or flame trap have been preformed while in my posession

 

The oil cap seals are also well known to leak.

The Flame traps need to be cleaned often as well or it will pump oil out of the Cap.

 

Parts available...
http://www.fcpgroton.com/volvo850oiltrapturbo.htm

You may need to remove intake manifold. You will need new intake gasket.
You may need to purchase a different style of clamps that are easier to reach.