V70 T5 engine oil leak
 

Hi all,

My V70 T5 has started to drip oil, and smells of burning rubber/oil after a run.

When I check and top up the engine oil from time to time, I haven't been seeing any dramatic change, so I thought it might be ATF. ATF levels are normal.

But getting down underneath today, I can see it is engine oil not ATF.
The whole subframe, engine and gearbox is wet with oil, but mainly on the gearbox side.
There is the usual seepage around the bottom of the intercooler.

Photos attached.

As far as I can see the turbo is completely dry, and there are no leaks from the turbo oil return pipe (at either end).

The oil is dripping from a bit of the engine casting that is quite high up, just to the left side of the exhaust manifold, and just above the bottom of the turbo and also just above that metal heating tube that runs across the back of the engine.

Is it difficult to see or to get at from below or from above.

I am trying to think what is up there, that might be leaking? When I have a chance I will take off the spark plugs cover plate and see if there is much oil up there.

Thanks
Steve

First off, I'd stick a bottle or two of Wynn's in it and go from there.

Hi sdg,

Once I cleaned things up, with the engine idling, I could see that the slow dripping was originating high up. Sorry if I didn't make that clear in my original post.

The first photo shows the highest spot that had the drips forming.

If it was the crank oil seal, how would the oil get up to such a high level?

Thanks,
Steve

I am going to look around the distributor and at intake and exhaust cam seals tomorrow.

Sounds like a possible source at the right height to me.

PCV passes glove test OK.

Steve

Yap, my bad. Keep us posted. Not seen anything like that on the 3 p80's I've had. Good luck!

I've had both the cam seal and the distributor seal pop out at different times on the passenger's side of the engine - fairly simple job to replace, it gave the exact same symptoms you describe. They've stayed in fine since replacing.

Thanks all,

Will confirm diagnosis and hopefully fix once I have looked further.

Steve

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/attac...4&d=1593969946

That looks like classic symptoms of a turbo oil return pipe seal to me. Only a few quid to purchase a seal and gasket kit. The burning smell is the oil spraying onto the hot downpipe.

I'd replace this first unless you can see obvious traces of oil flowing downward from the camshaft seal/s.

Hi Baffler,

If I clean things up the turbo oil return pipe stays dry (when on ramps, stationary at idle) and I can see a drip coming from above it once every ten seconds. I have replaced gaskets on that return pipe so I know how they work, so I don't think that is the problem in this case.

Separate question. In the attached photo, I notice that it looks like a flywheel/torque convert bolt inspection plate is missing. Is that correct? Is it held in by just one bolt and can I fit one easily if I can find a used one? Does that drive shaft sit in a sealed bearing? Presume a good idea to find an inspection plate to keep dirt out.

(This on a 1997 V70 T5 with AW42 automatic gearbox)

Steve

I haven't read the full post yet, but feel the need to point out that it might pass the PCV glove test if the cam or crank seal has already blown.