i don't post much but i need a hand. my 98 v70 glt with 230k gets exhaust fumes through the heater vents with it on and fresh air mode when at idle. my cat back exhaust was compromised at the muffler so i replaced that and with it off i used a smoke machine to test the cat forward. i was getting a small stream at the front pipe to turbo flange and also a lot out of the wastegate shaft. i found the shaft seemd to have excessive play in it. i picked up another turbo with half the miles on it for a good price and noticed the wastegate shaft also had play. the seller deals in volvos and parts. he checked couple of others and said they also had play. there isn't a gasket between the front pipe and turbo so i tried some copper rtv, used a thin bead, reassembled and let it sit over night. seemed better before i drove it then it came back. my question is about the wastgate shaft, do they have play in them or are they suppose to be pretty tight? i'm bringing the smoke machine home again tomorrow to check again. thanks in advance.

 

People usually smoke the intake system, including the turbo intake piping, not so much the exhaust flange and exhaust. Yes the wastegate arm shaft does have decent play when cold, heat that thing up to 1,800 degrees F and hopefully it will still be loose enough for the actuator to open and close it.

The seal at the front of the window/engine bay cowling should seal off most engine fumes.