Hey,
I have a 1995 Volvo 850 Turbo Sedan. When I check the oil, most of the time, there is whitish brownish gooey stuff of the dipstick, sometimes more than others. At most, maybe it would amount to the size of a dime is spread out. The other day, I pulled the dipstick out, there was some at the end, I wiped the dipstick, dipped it back in, and there was a little more that time and a couple of times after. Also, the disptick, when not wiped for a few days or so often has water beads on it. What could this mean?

-Thanks

 

There are a couple of things that cause that condition, I am no volvo expert. So some of the guys here would be better off answering this. But in general that is moisture in your oil, As the crank spins it oxidizes the 'water' portion and causes a 'foamy' look. There are 2 primary sources of this 'foam' primarily a leaky gasket, like a headgasket (how is your coolant level?) or manifold gasket depending...and the second is condensation. In either case this is NOT GOOD. The friction created by having ANY water in your crankcase is wearing your motor exponentially, so do NOT USE ADDITITIVES, get the problem fixed. Addititives make the problem worse.

GL

 

If you live in a Northern climate and make alot of short trips it is almost normal.

Get out on the highway and take it on a decent run down the highway then come back and check the condition.

 

Thanks fot the info. That definately makes sense because I had only been using it every week or so for a short ride. When I do go on the highway and check the oil, it looks clean.
-Thanks

 

+1 to Tech. We have had the same issue every winter for the last three years here in wet Washington State. Usually a good run on the highway takes care of it for awhile.

 

I would also change oil & Mann filter at either every 3,000-3,500 miles or 4 months.


JPN