I have a slight oil leak that I'm 90% sure is a combo or the valve cover gasket, and a leaky oil cap gasket. It's such a minor leak, that the oil never hits the ground. The seapage basically just burns off on the exhaust manifold. I was just curious if anyone has done this job, if theres a HOW TO anywhere, and any info of what to avoid or watch out for in the process.
Thanks in advance.
96 850 Wagon

 

Its not a valve cover from what i have learnt. Its a camshaft holding cover. And there is no gasket. You just use some RTV sealant. I dont know how to do so either. I have a slight oil leak from there as well.

 

Camshaft holding cover? Could you be a little more specific or supply a photo?
Seems hard to believe that anything thats leaking oil doesnt have a gasket of some sort thats failing.
Thanks.

 

Like i sad, i havent taken anything apart yet. I have been warned that its different that the usual valve covers. I have the exact same question as you so im waiting for someone else to answer.

 

they sell the valve cover gasket..its just silicone in a tube - any liquid gasket will work. which I've looked at, so I'm having a hard time understanding why it would be anything different. Where did you get the information you have from? Its just a matter of cleaning that surface and putting the new sealant in place (then torquing in the appropriate order)

 

Message deleted.

 

I appreciate the photo, but...
Again, it looks pretty standard to me.Trace the sealing surface with a thin bead of liquid gasket, and place the cover on carefully because you only have one shot (or else you have to start over). Then torque in the appropriate pattern.

 

BE CAREFUL!!!

When you try a take the cam cover off the head, the cams will be pushing up and you can crack either the head or the cam cover. The are milled out of one unit, so you can not just replace the cam cover if you carack it. I would try just replacing the oil cap gasket first. These are known to go bad often. I have had the cam cover off, and it's doable for a non-mechanic, I'm just telling you to be very careful. Some of the spots around the cam are very thin.

 

I've had engines apart a few times and replaced upper and lower intake gaskets. Thanks for the heads up though JimKW.

I did replace the oil cap, and dried the area to watch for leaks. One thing that concerned me though (even though through reading posts it seems the gasket on the cap is a common failure), is that it seemed odd that any oil would be pushing through the cap to begin with. It's up high enough so the oil doesnt seem like it should be pushing out the cap unless theres pressure. Which is what really concerned me. Does that mean I have uneccesarry pressure built up within?
I cleaned the PCV (flame trap) for that reason, which wasnt completely gummed up, but did have buildup.


I would think that it was odd for oil to be pushing out the filler cap??? No??

 

It is possible that your flame trap is clear, but the breather box is plugged. To remove ityou must remove intake manifold. It is a little bit of work, but worth taking care of the oil leaks.

93' 850 GLT

 

I had oil making it through oil gasket cap. We tried multiple things, finally took to dealer. They diag. the breather box or one of hoses to breather box. Cost $1500 was qouted. Got parts from volvo site. $180 for parts and father in law is fixing. When i got the car a month ago it leaked through the cap so bad, oil soaked and puddled in sparkplugs, sucked. They called it positive crankcase pressure, was forcing oil out.

He is saying we need to get oil pan off first? Did you say you can just remove intake manifold to get to breather box and all wires?

Matt

 

Through some more research I understand the task now. Looks like a PITA. I'll probably do it myself as usual though since the dealers prices are sickening. I'll post backafter I've done the job.Chances are that I'll probably replace theoil trap,and the main hoses. It's one of those jobs you don't want tolet go or you'll be replacing the rear main seal (and any others that letgo from pressure) plus the original job of cleaning or replacing theoil trap.

 

Matt -
I havent done the job yet, but I don't really see how or why you'd have to remove the oil pan for this job. Are you sure you heard him right?

 

just out of curiousity....has anyone replaced the clogged breather box/lines and found an improvement in gas mileage?