I was under my car the other day and noticed there was a good amount of oil residue on the bottom of the splash shield. I took it off and noticed oil around the weep hole right at the transmission and engine block. I'm not sure I fully understand what this is for, but I've read that it could be normal, or could mean a bad RMS, or a clogged PCV. How much oil would indicate I have something to worry about?

 

That is not normal. It isn't normal for any oil to leak.

 

That looks like your RMS leaking and PCV system problems are usually the likely cause.
It isn't a small leak either to be blunt.

 

Are there any how-to articles on these or is it likely this will deserve a trip to the stealership? I'm no mechanic, but if this isn't terribly difficult to do then I just might try to dig in myself. Thanks for your help.

 

Sometimes what appears to be a RMS failure can actually be a leak from the rear camshaft seals above. The oil tracks down the block and makes a mess everywhere which makes the leaks origin harder to ascertain.
Try cleaning the engine thoroughly on the drivers side end and then observe closely over a couple of days where any oil leaks start from and where they track to and drip from.
If it is the RMS then your up for removing the engine and transmission from the car to replace the seal. Products do exist which can be added to the oil that supposedly rejuvenate the seals but thats a gamble??
If its the camshaft seals they are far easier to replace especially the rear ones.
Many writeups are in the forums for camshaft seal replacements especially on the Matthews Volvo Site which has a large repair database. Just do a search to find.
A search within this forum should also bear fruit.

 

You don't have to remove the engine to do the rear main but the trans definitely has to come out. But yes, make sure the rear cam seals aren't leaking. They can be replaced easily but the fronts require special tools.

 

Thanks guys. I'll look around for some info on the rear cams, etc. I'm imagining money growing wings and flying out of my bank account. I just got this car a month ago. Luckily I might be able to get half of it covered by the dealer's where it was purchased. Fingers crossed.