I have 99 v70 xc with direct ignition. The car started missingbadly and Ipulled aP0304 code, which is a #4 cylinder missfire error. I decided to change the plugs and was I surprised to find a ton of oil inside the coil of #2...enough to complete cover the plug! where could this be coming from? This is black, used oil,could the cap be faulty and be leaking out the back?

 

If there is a bunch of oil on the top of the cam cover yes it could be leaking down.
But if the top is bone dry then the o-ring between the cam cover and the head might be leaking it into the cylinder.

 

Yes the is a bunch of oilon top of the cam cover (in all the valleys) as well. #1 and #3 plugs has some oil around them too...notas much as#2 though. I have now changed the plugs and the coil boot for #2 is torn up. Car still runs rough. I will reread codes to see if anything has changed. Oil cap seems to be good fit...what about a leak from that black tube that runs next to #2 coil?

 

Now I have a P0300 random engine missfire...seems like I have somehow made things worse. prob from the oil that I couldn't clean up getting into a cylinder...any ideas? car has 140K. time to order up some coil packs too? There is a guy on ebay who has some lightly used ones from a 2001 T5...seems to be the same 9125601 part number as mine....I could really use a money saving solution right now. What do I look at next?

 

OK...a bit of an update. Idon't know if this manuever is advised, but I disconnected each coil as the car was running. The car is idling very poorly now... but did not change when I disconnect #2 or #4 coil...there was a noiticable change to almost a stall when I disconnected #'s 1,3,5. Can I now assume that both 2 and 4 cylinders are not firing? can I switch the coils around and do this test again to see if it is in fact the coil or something else? Am I going to electricute my fat ***?

 

I will bet the #2 and #4 coils are bad.
You can swap around and check another cylinder. But I would clean the top of the motor and replace the oil cap seal and see how it does from there.

 

whats the best way to clean the top of the engine?? should I get my power washer out? tons of that plastic wire insulation has come apart all over the place too... it is a big mess. how about "Wells" brand parts for the coils?

 

Wells might work OK I always use Bosch.
If you can get some brake cleaner and spray a little on the top and soak all oil and cleaner up with rags.
I would not use the pressure cleaner.

 

yes, I was kiddin a bit with the pressure washer comment. just what I need to do is get some water forced down in all those connections at this point. I will use the brake cleaner idea though- thanks. I have now "fixed" the #2 cylinder by cleaning the plug and connections. That left the original #4 misfire.I swapped the #4 coil to #3 cylinder and repeated the disconnection test above. Hurray! I have made the "problem" move to the other cylinder.I think i have now definitely isolated the bad coil pack.I know the Volvo oem ones in my car are Bosch but I can't get that until the dealer opens 8am monday.At least I can enjoy my Sunday now. Thanks for your help Tech- I am glad you were around to bounce a few ideas off. Its amazing thestress relief one can feel with a few tools, a code reader and a little expert advice. thanks again.

 

Glad it is getting better for you now.

 

New coil installed!$60 at my local NAPA....actual volvo/bosch part too!backon the road again! till next time....seeya