Water in oil

rasvolvo · Mar 9th, 2019, 16:16

A friend of mine has a 99 v70. There is evidence of water on the oil cap and dipstick. The exhaust also has a certain smell to it. What possible causes are we looking at? Thanks

HDAV · Mar 9th, 2019, 17:12

Head gasket is obvious one...

Austin160 · Mar 9th, 2019, 17:25

Personally, I would not jump to a conclusion that these ‘symptoms’ are a sign of head gasket issues - it could be simply a case of condensation, and this first needs to be eliminated or confirmed as the cause.
If it were mine, I would be thoroughly cleaning the oil filler cap and the dip stick, topping up the coolant reservoir (if necessary) to the max. mark when cold, and taking the car on a good 50 mile continuous run. Allow it to stand overnight and recheck the cap and dip stick, and most importantly, the level of the coolant. If it has remained at the same level,then it has not used coolant, and it cannot therefore be leaking coolant into the oil.
Condensation is quite common on vehicles used over short distances at this time of year.

acshortt5 · Mar 9th, 2019, 17:42

An early 99 could have the oil cooler in the radiator. Easily identified by 2 lines running to the driver's side of the radiator. It is possible that the separation in the radiator can break leading to oil and coolant mixing.

I don't know if the later oil cooler on the rear of the sump can suffer similar issues as that is cooled by the coolant as well.

Luxobarge · Mar 9th, 2019, 22:10

Highly likely just mayo caused by condensation in the dip stick tube and around the filler - very common on these, as mentioned by Austin160 above. Wipe it off and go for a long run, I'd put money on there being no mayo afterwards.

HG failure is VERY rare on these, I've only heard of it when the engine has been badly overheated or otherwise abused.

rasvolvo · Mar 10th, 2019, 01:37

Thanks for the suggestions. Will give it a drive and see what happens.

Rhoy002 · Mar 12th, 2019, 06:44

Look up iPD videos, they have one on water in the oil and associated dipstick issues. I had a failed oil cooler on the radiator which leaked oil into the coolant, replaced radiator, flushed cooling system with dish washer cleaner to get all the oil out, problem solved, that was about two years ago.

mentepazza · Mar 12th, 2019, 07:23

I would invest 30 pounds for a coolant compression test.

Austin160 · Mar 12th, 2019, 08:39

Sorry to disagree, but why would you want to spend £30 before carrying out the ‘free’ procedure suggested?

Clan · Mar 12th, 2019, 11:51

another point make sure the thermostat is working , if not fit a new volvo 92C one ...

Mar 9th, 2019, 16:16	#1
rasvolvo Junior Member Last Online: Sep 2nd, 2023 05:42 Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: kingston	Water in oil A friend of mine has a 99 v70. There is evidence of water on the oil cap and dipstick. The exhaust also has a certain smell to it. What possible causes are we looking at? Thanks

Mar 9th, 2019, 17:42	#4
acshortt5 Volvo Nutcase Last Online: Jul 14th, 2023 12:57 Join Date: May 2007 Location: N/A View Photos By: acshortt5	An early 99 could have the oil cooler in the radiator. Easily identified by 2 lines running to the driver's side of the radiator. It is possible that the separation in the radiator can break leading to oil and coolant mixing. I don't know if the later oil cooler on the rear of the sump can suffer similar issues as that is cooled by the coolant as well. __________________ Andrew 1998 S70 T5 CD AUTO Previously a 1990 240 GLT-R

Mar 9th, 2019, 22:10	#5
Luxobarge Premier Member Last Online: Yesterday 22:43 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Horne (Nr. Horley)	Highly likely just mayo caused by condensation in the dip stick tube and around the filler - very common on these, as mentioned by Austin160 above. Wipe it off and go for a long run, I'd put money on there being no mayo afterwards. HG failure is VERY rare on these, I've only heard of it when the engine has been badly overheated or otherwise abused. __________________ Some people are like Slinkies, they serve no useful purpose but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them downstairs.

Mar 12th, 2019, 11:51	#10
Clan Experienced Member Last Online: Yesterday 23:47 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: L/H side	another point make sure the thermostat is working , if not fit a new volvo 92C one ... __________________ My comments are only based on my opinions and vast experience .

Mar 9th, 2019, 17:12	#2
HDAV Master Member Last Online: Jan 21st, 2024 14:21 Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: End of the valley	Head gasket is obvious one...

Mar 9th, 2019, 17:25	#3
Austin160 Master Member Last Online: Oct 29th, 2021 13:42 Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Cardiff	Personally, I would not jump to a conclusion that these ‘symptoms’ are a sign of head gasket issues - it could be simply a case of condensation, and this first needs to be eliminated or confirmed as the cause. If it were mine, I would be thoroughly cleaning the oil filler cap and the dip stick, topping up the coolant reservoir (if necessary) to the max. mark when cold, and taking the car on a good 50 mile continuous run. Allow it to stand overnight and recheck the cap and dip stick, and most importantly, the level of the coolant. If it has remained at the same level,then it has not used coolant, and it cannot therefore be leaking coolant into the oil. Condensation is quite common on vehicles used over short distances at this time of year.

Mar 10th, 2019, 01:37	#6
rasvolvo Junior Member Last Online: Sep 2nd, 2023 05:42 Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: kingston	Thanks for the suggestions. Will give it a drive and see what happens.

Mar 12th, 2019, 06:44	#7
Rhoy002 New Member Last Online: Oct 5th, 2023 12:30 Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Auckland View Photos By: Rhoy002	Look up iPD videos, they have one on water in the oil and associated dipstick issues. I had a failed oil cooler on the radiator which leaked oil into the coolant, replaced radiator, flushed cooling system with dish washer cleaner to get all the oil out, problem solved, that was about two years ago.

Mar 12th, 2019, 07:23	#8
mentepazza Member Last Online: Apr 15th, 2024 08:34 Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Glasgow	I would invest 30 pounds for a coolant compression test.

Mar 12th, 2019, 08:39	#9
Austin160 Master Member Last Online: Oct 29th, 2021 13:42 Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Cardiff	Sorry to disagree, but why would you want to spend £30 before carrying out the ‘free’ procedure suggested?

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