I have a 1996 850 with about 200k miles. I only drive it back and forth to work, about 20 miles round trip. Once every 3 or 4 months I might take it on a long trip to NYC, around 5hours round trip.I went to checkmy oil and when I pulled out the dipstick there was this slimey white stuff mixed with my oil.... I am no mechanic but this doesn't seem like a good thing....... Any ideas as to what is causing this...... PS> The

 

you have coolant getting into your oil somehow

 

Thanks for responding. Is there some "obvious" way this would happen.... Is it a serious repair do you think?

 

could be a leaking head gasket, there are channels in the block and head that the collant runs through, its most likely getting in through the channels somehow, but the most common way is the head

 

First, check the coolant level in the reservoir. If the level is not dropping, most likely the white stuff is just moisture condensation (reported by many in the past), especially most of your driving is comprised of short trips. Short trips cause condensation faster than highway driving, as the engine never gets up to its normal operating temp to burn off moisture.

Also, a neglected PCV system expedites condensation. If you have a coolant leak, the fluid level in thereservoir drops, you would see white smoke out of the tail pipeaccompanied by coolant odor.


JPN

 

Thanks. I will check the coolant today. I don't see any white smoke and I don't smell any coolant so at least that is a good sign.

With regards to the PVC system, is there some maintenance I should be doing?

 

I concur with JPN, it is most likely moisture condensation. Our 95 Turbo has just shy of 200K and it has the same issue for going on 2 years now. It seems to be only during the cooler/wet weather (which in the Pacific Northwest is about 10 months out of the year). I change the oil regularly and keep an eye on it.

 

If the coolant level in the reservoir has not dropped, simply change engine oil at every 3,000 miles or every 3 month, whichever comes first. If your 850 is turbocharged, I would use full synthetic 10W-30. If non-turbo, I would use regular 10W-30 or 5W-30 during freezing climate.

The PCV system on 850s is unique, and if never replaced, I would replace the entire component. Turbo and non-turbo use different set-up. Kits are available at:

http://www.fcpgroton.com/index-exec/...ear/by_make/78

http://www.eeuroparts.com/Main/Home.aspx

If you are not handy with tools, let a pro do it for you. If a shop accepts parts from you, that would be ideal. Try to spend extra few dollars on OEM parts, as Volvos get upset with non OEM parts.

I hope this helps.


JPN

 

Thank you all for responding. I have checked the coolant level and it is right where it should be. There is also no smoke or smell coming from the car. I checked the oil again, the temp was a little warmer and didn't drop much the night before and there was almost no "white stuff". My son did the PVC last year so I am all set with that. I am getting an oil change at the end of the week and I am just going to keep an eye on things. I am hopefull that it is just condensation. Thanks again.

 

Excellent. Make sure to check the transmission fluid as well as a part of routine.


JPN

 

Sounds like you are all set!