I have a 2000 S40, 1.9L turbo automatic with 170k miles on it. It runs well, and has been a great car. I bought it in 2001 with 20K miles on it. I have an oil leak that is coming from somewhere under the timing cover, and I cannot figure out where it is coming from. I see that there is oil staining on the underside of the car, on the passenger side (the same side as the timing cover), as the leaking oil is being swept under the car as I drive and is staining that area. The parts below the timing cover are also stained. I took off the plastic top cover that covers the spark plug/coil area, as well as the second plastic cover piece that mates to the top cover. I see that there is some oil coating the timing belt and some oil puddling in the engine recesses under the top cover. But I cannot see where the oil leak is coming from. I am losing about 1 quart every 1000 miles. The engine is not burning oil, and is running smooth as always. But this leak needs to be stopped. I checked the turbo oil return line, and that is ok. The oil cap on top of the engine also seems tight. What could be leaking under the timing cover? Any ideas? Any way to test what is might be? Thanks for the help.

 

I would say either the cam seals are bad or the VVT pulley(rear pulley) is bad.
Clean it all really good then start it and run it for a minute or so. Then turn it off and check for oil.

 

Thanks Tech. Will do. I will be back to you about it hopefully within the next 10 days, to tell you what is happening. I will say that I replaced the cam seals at 125K, so the VVT Pulley might be the culprit. Could it be the oil pump? Is there a product you might recommend that would be good for doing the best cleanup I can in the timing area before I start the car and let it run to locate the leak? Chris

 

I highly doubt the oil pump. You can buy cans of brake clean and use that to clean the oil. I use brake clean all the time.

 

Have a 2001 s40 my problem is that when i start the car i have to stay on the gas for maybe 3mins in order for her to stay running. It only does that once a day. When i first go out to start it for work in the mourning. Replaced sparkplugs air filter did an oil change an transmission fluid change changed fuel filter. Other than that the car runs fine dosent stall or sputters when driving. any an all help would be welcomed. I also can hear the fuel pump kicking in

 

fredric, possible fuel pressure regulator, theres a good link in the commonly asked questions thread abt hard starting/ long cranking periods.

 

Ok thanks for the speedy response,ima have a look there