Hi everyone I have noticed a small area of oil on my driveway it is about the size of a frisbee. I do not drive every day and only put 7 to 9000 miles on it in a year. The engine oil is full. I took it to a mechanic and he checked under the car and said it was not a leak from the filter or the drain plug. The oil leak is on the right front of the car and appears to be coming from the intercooler or the turbo. I really have no idea. Does the intercooler and turbo have oil in them? Is there any way to check the level. My 2001 S60 2.4t runs very well and has 164,000 miles on it and this is the first leak of any kind since I have owned the car. Any and all information will be appreciated. Thanks mstrplmber

 

Sorry to be so blunt but you need to try to mark some how and see if it really is from the front like right under and behind the front bumper. Or like just inside the tires area. The intercooler is in between the radiator and condensor.

The turbo is at the back of the motor between the motor and firewall.

The turbo return line o-ring might be bad it would be leading from above the oil drain plug.

The intercooler has a very small hole in it that allows oil to drain if need be. But they very rarely will leak that bad from there.

But if the vent system is clogged the cam seals might be leaking as well. But that would be leaking from like right inside the R/F wheel.

 

Hi Tech, While the car was on the lift all the mechanic showed me was oil in front of the plate under the car towards the front of the car. The plate was clean and he said no oil had been blowing back. He could not see where it was coming from. I have been backing into my parking space for 2 days now and only see quarter size drops. Is the intercooler oil the same as the motor oil? Thanks mstrplmber

 

Yes it would be the same oil.

But if you can look good and see if it is coming from center of the car about 3 feet back or like just under the front bumper or closer to the right front tire.

That could be 3 different leaks.

 

Hi Tech the leak appears to be coming from right behind the bumper in the middle of the car but because my car is parked on a slight incline side to side it shows up ahead of the front tireon the passenger side whenI back in and ahead of the front tire on the drivers side when I pull in straight and seems to be getting worse. I hope this explanation is not too confusing. I look forward to any explanation you can give me. Thanks. mstrplmber

 

Well I wonder of the Vent box is leaking That is one possibility. The other might be something else. Is the power steering fluid getting low over time?

 

Hi Tech thanks for the reply. Could you tell me what the vent box is and what it's function is. I have had to top off the power steering fluid about 4-6 months ago I will check it tomorrow. I read some of your previous threads for a S-80 and they mentioned timing belt change. I had my timing belt replaced at 159,000 about 9-12 months ago. I have 162,800 now. I do not drive very much as I am disabled. I also appreciate your input on this forum. Thank you mstrplmber

 

The Vent box Is part of the PCV system.It is mounted on the motor like right at the back side of the A/C compressor.

 

Hi Tech, Is there an easy way to find aoil leak such as a dye in the oil whichI read in another thread. I also found this article with a pcv replacement on another model volvo. http://lakesidedp.com/uploadpics/pcv/Is this what I am looking at and do you have any idea what the cost would be at a volvo dealership or can a mechanic who works on foreign cars handle this. Thanks for the advice. mstrplmber

 

Dye might work. As long as the oil isn't leaking fast and alot.
Yes that article is what will most likely have to be done to yours. On the price best I can say is to try calling the local shops and get prices. Lately prices seem to varry alot.

 

Hi Tech The problem has to do with the power steering. They say it is the pump but when I look at the hose coming off the top it is wet at the connection. The clamp is not a screw clamp If it was the pump leaking is it possible for it to show up there? Any suggestions on whether maybe something could be loose and just needs to be tightened. The mechanic quoted me $700 incl. 2 hrs labor at $70 per hr. It is not making any noise at all butI did have to top off the fluid with 1 pint.All help is appreciated. Thanks Fred

 

Is it the hose that connects to the reservoir? If so, every one of my s60 show some sign of dampness at the top. The hose leading down to the pump gets gritty from the leak. In the past I have cut the clamp off and installed a new camp and cut off a small portion of the hose. This only applies to the low pressure side of the power steering.

 

I say the clamp is not tight enough. You can replace it and you should be fine.

 

Added my own topic! Nevermind.