This is my first post on here, but I've been stalking the forums for a while trying to learn more about this great car. I've got a 1996 850 Base with a 5 speed. 166,000 miles, and it's in pretty decent shape. I've spent the last few months getting it as close to perfect as I can. I changed out the leaking water pump, did a basic tune up on it (oil change, plugs, wires, cap and rotor) and did the PCV system. Everything runs great, but suddenly I've sprung a massive oil leak from somewhere on the front (intake side) of the motor. The front of the oil pan is dripping with oil, but I can't seem to see where it's coming from without taking the intake manifold off again. It's coming from higher than the oil pan gasket, and the wires off the starter have oil on them so I'm guessing it's coming from higher than that. The valve cover is dry as well as everything above the intake. It's lost about a quart of oil since the oil change (200 miles ago) so it must be a pretty massive leak, I just can't seem to pinpoint it with out taking the manifold off again. Just looking for some suggestions before I have to do that, and maybe some parts to look at buying ahead of time so I don't have to do it twice. Thanks in advance.

 

I would try to inspect the vent box hoses with a mirror.

 

Ditto what tech said!

How long ago did you replace the PCV system? Mine did exactly the same thing a few weeks after i replaced the PCV system and below pic is what i found.

Got the PCV kit from fcp; replaced bad hose with oem from dealer.

 

It seems that the recent lot of PCV kits from FCP have some maerial issues and the elbow tube in the picture above just give-up very soon because of degradation from temperature and oil. Replacing that tube with one from dealership is probably the best option. So all you will need is this tube and worm clamps (if u dont have those before) and a intake gasket.

 

I hate to say this but long story short I don't buy from FCP anymore. Not worth the head ache after my last disaster.

 

I replaced it within about 500 miles of the oil leak, so about a month before the leak started. I guess it's off to the dealer to pick up the elbow and gasket and see where that gets me. I'll post the results this weekend...Hopefully the water pump from FCP doesn't fail too, that was a pain to change and $30 a gallon for Volvo coolant was a shock too.

 

If you used a HEPU pump you'll be A-OK they are good.

 

Well, I got it all taken apart and sure enough that elbow off the oil separator felt like a rubber band and had a tear in it. Everything else on the PCV system looks good, but that was definitely the cause of the leak. Dealer had to order one so it'll be monday before it gets put back together. Anyone know where the bottom vacuum line off the back of the air box goes? I seem to have broken it at some point in the last few times I've taken things apart and just noticed it now.

 

Maybe to the fuel rail or to the evap canister?

 

If it is off the air filter box then look and see if it is supposed to be on the valve on the front bottom where the fresh air comes in.
If you have the one that goes to the motor still there then it is the one I described above.