Hi All,

I am still having problems with my 1999 S70 AWD (102K miles)

It smokes and consumes oil. Smokes (billowing) after idleing for a few minutes, goes away
after driving.

No wet oil in taipipe, but there is carbon buildup. When running in driveway in front of our other car,
carbon appears on it's bumper.

Had Crankcase ventilation somewhat checked by Speedy. They blew air through to check for blockage.
When test driven smoked worse from the start but went away after a while. Ventilation seems OK.
No smoke when opening Oil Cap or Dipstick.

Brought it to Volvo. They diagnosed it as turbo. Replaced turbo, no change. Also no charge, thankfully.

Now they say rings and suggest new (Used) engine at a cost of $4,200. (1600 for engine,
1700 to install). I'd rather not spend $4200.

Would it be worth my while to do the rings myself in the hopes that my problem would be solved?
How long should it take? (I rebuilt a couple engines when I was a teenager).

Perhaps I could by an engine and install it myself, though it's been a while. I don't have a lift, but with a
floor jack I could put it on stands and rent a hoist.

Any Suggestions/Recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Ted

 

Hello Ted,

>Brought it to Volvo. They diagnosed it as turbo. Replaced turbo, no change. Also no charge, thankfully.

That is a miracle. The dealer not even charging for simply your being there.

Before blaming the rings/valve guides, I would replace all PCV components to see if it cures the problem. I wouldn't take Volvo to places like Spxxdy or any franchise/generic garages. I would only take it either to the dealer (watch out for rip off) or independent shops that specialise in Swedish/European makes.

Just wanted to double check on the smoke. It is bluish, correct? If dark gray, it is Air/Fuel mixture being too rich due to neglected tune-up or fuel/ignition system problem.

Also, before take the engine apart, I would suggest that you do a compression test to make sure that a cylinder(s) is shot. The mileage seems too low to have this type of problem, unless oil change was neglected, being operated with insufficient oil quantity, etc...

Here's a vendor many of us use, and they ave good illustration:

http://www.fcpgroton.com/volvo.htm#c70

The PCV components are different for turbo/non-turbo.

I hope this helps.


JPN

 

Hi JPN,

Thanks for the advice.

I have scheduled for a thorough check of crankcase ventilation system

by an Audi/Volvo specialist.

Volvo did a compression test, found four the same (I think they said 210).

Fifth was a little lower but nothing like 150.

Hopefully, it will be the crankcase ventilation.

I was thinking of replacing engine with one with 39K at a cost of 4200 installled.

Ted

 

Hi Ted,

For $4200, you should be able to find another S70, or 850R. If it turns out that the car needs a major work on the engine, which I kind of doubt at this point, I would forget it and look for another S70 or 850R that is well-maintained.

It seems like your car is in the hands of right people. I'll wait to hear what the result of their inspection would be.

I wish you the best,


JPN