Engine 850: B5234T/2.3/20v/T5: Oil Leak AGGGGhH!

[jampot1979]

Hi,

Was driving my newly aquired 850 T5 today and noticed that when I stopped at junctions etc I could smell a oil type smell. The car runs ok.

When I pulled up on the drive I noticed lots of oil drips on the floor. And the underside of car is covered in oil.

I have also noticed that the turbo seems to loose boost. Would this be related? Any ideas?

Hoping its something i can fix without spending mega ££££££!

[RiPsTa33]

Its probably the turbo return oil pipe seal where it enters the block which is a fairly easy job and should cost you around £2 or.....the rear crankshaft oil seal. If you look under the car where the gearbox meets the engine you will see a small semi circle hole in the bell housing. If oil is coming from here then it is your rear crankshaft oil seal. The first thing to try would be some forte seal conditioner for about £15 which quite a few people on here have had great success with, the other option unfortunately is to take the gearbox out and replace the seal which would take about 8 hours in a garage! If i was going to take the gearbox out i would probably change the clutch while i was on if you dont know if it has had one previously.
Good luck

[jampot1979]

The oil seems to be dripping down from the rear of the oil sump in area of the sump drain plug.

[adamsky01]

Originally Posted by jampot1979

The oil seems to be dripping down from the rear of the oil sump in area of the sump drain plug.

i would say its the oil return pipe to they have a tenancy to split on the weld and its in the right place the oil leak and u are losing power so yes defo going to be that

[RiPsTa33]

I will probably have a couple of spare turbo oil return pipes on one of my turbos, let me know if you need one.

[jampot1979]

Originally Posted by RiPsTa33

I will probably have a couple of spare turbo oil return pipes on one of my turbos, let me know if you need one.

Cheers mate.

[Jod T5]

Originally Posted by jampot1979

The oil seems to be dripping down from the rear of the oil sump in area of the sump drain plug.

i would expect this to be the return pipe, a crank seal will leak oil from the clutch engine joint, which is further forward, however a crank seal leak will cover everything behind it!!!...
a crankcase leak will usually drip to the front nearside when parked too
its deffo oil? not pas fluid?
cheers
jod

[jampot1979]

I have had a further look under the car and I am pretty sure its the turbo return pipe.

I took the oil cap off when engine was idling and there was no blowing air coming out. So i am hoping the pcv is ok and working.

I have also put some forte seal conditioner in as recommended.

[Jod T5]

Originally Posted by jampot1979

I have also put some forte seal conditioner in as recommended.

the forte conditioner will swell your seals, this will take several weeks so dont be alarmed if you do not get an instant response..the return seal is a diy jobbie really if a little fiddly.....
http://www.volvospeed.com/Repair/turborepairline.php
cheers
jod

[RiPsTa33]

Like jod said its worth doing the return pipe oil seal anyway if you can get the car up on ramps, about £2 will get you the gasket and seal and its only a 20 minute job.