Help diagnosing oil leak please V70 bi fuel

sacasable · Jul 11th, 2014, 14:47

Hi all,

I accidentally posted this in the pre2000 thread, so thought I'd repost here.

I'm new to this forum and looking to buy my first Volvo.

I've seen a Bi fuel 2003 V70 that I like, but I looked under the chassis and noticed oil had been leaking. I have attached a couple of photos and would really appreciate any advice on where you think this is coming from or what the cause is for the leak.

The colour of the oil is deep redish brown if that helps, and it is quite wet liquid (not very thick)

The price is at the upper end of my budget so I'm a bit worried about it being something significant that will cost me a lot to fix.

Thanks

indigolemon · Jul 11th, 2014, 15:09

Is it an automatic?

sacasable · Jul 11th, 2014, 16:10

Yep, it is an automatic.

indigolemon · Jul 11th, 2014, 17:32

I've been trying to think of any other oily red stuff that would be in the car, but keep coming back to the automatic gearbox fluid. I assume there will be a cooler, so at best - possibly a leak in the pipes that make up the feed / return to the cooler? At worst, the box itself is somehow leaking - I'm not sure how likely that is however.

Does it only leak as the engine is running? Or get worse when the engine is running?

sacasable · Jul 11th, 2014, 18:16

Ok thanks indigolemon.

Do you know how much a repair might be if it turns out to be the box itself leaking?

I'll have to get back it you on the last question. I haven't bought it yet, still deciding whether it's a sensible option. I may try and view again over the weekend and let you know whether it's only when the engine is running.

Thanks

stuartggray · Jul 11th, 2014, 22:55

Would it be worth checking the oil level in the autobox to see if it is low. Might indicate the leak is from there. Also check the power steering rack for leaks and oil level just in case.

Bernard333 · Jul 12th, 2014, 09:31

Dont buy it unless you are getting it for almost scrap value. Check if its original factory bi fuel or aftermarket. I wanted a V70 factory bi fuel in 2003 but Volvo had problems developing the car and then took too long to deliver which with hindsight did me a favour so I went for the D5. The older original bi fuel cars are now costing a lot to repair, if you are set on a bi fuel go for a P2 petrol engine thats had a more recent aftermarket conversion then you dont need to pay Volvo an arm and a leg for parts but get it checked over by someone who knows about them.

Jul 11th, 2014, 15:09	#2
indigolemon I wanna be a pirate! Last Online: Apr 30th, 2020 12:50 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Dunfermline	Is it an automatic? __________________ Current: '05 - S60 \| Gone: '97 - 850 \| Gone: '92 - 240

Jul 11th, 2014, 17:32	#4
indigolemon I wanna be a pirate! Last Online: Apr 30th, 2020 12:50 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Dunfermline	I've been trying to think of any other oily red stuff that would be in the car, but keep coming back to the automatic gearbox fluid. I assume there will be a cooler, so at best - possibly a leak in the pipes that make up the feed / return to the cooler? At worst, the box itself is somehow leaking - I'm not sure how likely that is however. Does it only leak as the engine is running? Or get worse when the engine is running? __________________ Current: '05 - S60 \| Gone: '97 - 850 \| Gone: '92 - 240

Jul 11th, 2014, 22:55	#6
stuartggray StuartGray Last Online: Dec 14th, 2021 14:56 Join Date: May 2010 Location: Dunfermline	Would it be worth checking the oil level in the autobox to see if it is low. Might indicate the leak is from there. Also check the power steering rack for leaks and oil level just in case. __________________ Present - 2001 V70 Torslanda, Vida/Dice owner Past - 1986 740 GL Estate 4 Speed O/D 2.3l Past - 1990 740 SE Saloon 5 Speed 2.0l Past - 1991 740 GL Estate Auto 2.0l Past - 1985 240 GL Estate 5 Speed 2.3l

Jul 11th, 2014, 16:10	#3
sacasable New Member Last Online: Jul 18th, 2014 00:06 Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: london	Yep, it is an automatic.

Jul 11th, 2014, 18:16	#5
sacasable New Member Last Online: Jul 18th, 2014 00:06 Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: london	Ok thanks indigolemon. Do you know how much a repair might be if it turns out to be the box itself leaking? I'll have to get back it you on the last question. I haven't bought it yet, still deciding whether it's a sensible option. I may try and view again over the weekend and let you know whether it's only when the engine is running. Thanks

Jul 12th, 2014, 09:31	#7
Bernard333 Premier Member Last Online: Oct 20th, 2021 11:41 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Ramelton	Dont buy it unless you are getting it for almost scrap value. Check if its original factory bi fuel or aftermarket. I wanted a V70 factory bi fuel in 2003 but Volvo had problems developing the car and then took too long to deliver which with hindsight did me a favour so I went for the D5. The older original bi fuel cars are now costing a lot to repair, if you are set on a bi fuel go for a P2 petrol engine thats had a more recent aftermarket conversion then you dont need to pay Volvo an arm and a leg for parts but get it checked over by someone who knows about them.

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