Volvo V70 over 100,000 miles thicker oil needed???

[omega888]

hi everyone,

My 1998 Volvo 2.4 auto has 135,000 on the clock
and is using more oil than I would like. It's currently usin 5w30 fully synthetic....my question is should I be using a thicker oil as its over 100k...? has anyone used 10w40 semi synthetic with this engine to good effect?

thanks all

[dew1911]

If it's not using any then I wouldn't worry, keep to makers specs.

[AndyPants]

Assuming yours is the 2.4 petrol then 10w40 semi-synth is fine and probably the most commonly used for the engine Its also recommended in the manual if I remember correctly.

[omega888]

thanks for that.....I think the manual called for 5w30 fully synthetic but I'm topping it up every time I check the dipstick (every 2 weeks) and that oil is very expensive. There is no blue smoke from the exhaust and no leaks on the driveway so I'm thinking it's just old age....from what I've read it's "acceptable" to use a quart of oil every 1000 miles!!! This is my 1st Volvo - every other car I've owned has used little or no oil during my ownership (including nearly new and old bangers!!!)

I'm filling the car to the max level on the dip stick, but when I check it (every 2 weeks) it's gone down to the middle - ie half way between max and min.

Thanks again........

[Clan]

Originally Posted by omega888

thanks for that.....I think the manual called for 5w30 fully synthetic but I'm topping it up every time I check the dipstick (every 2 weeks) and that oil is very expensive. There is no blue smoke from the exhaust and no leaks on the driveway so I'm thinking it's just old age....from what I've read it's "acceptable" to use a quart of oil every 1000 miles!!! This is my 1st Volvo - every other car I've owned has used little or no oil during my ownership (including nearly new and old bangers!!!)

I'm filling the car to the max level on the dip stick, but when I check it (every 2 weeks) it's gone down to the middle - ie half way between max and min.

Thanks again........

I would check the breather system , you wont find any measurable wear if you strip the engine down

[DaveNP]

Originally Posted by omega888

I'm filling the car to the max level on the dip stick, but when I check it (every 2 weeks) it's gone down to the middle - ie half way between max and min.
.......

From experience with other vehicles try checking the level more often but DO NOT top it up every time, some vehicles seem to reach an oil level below the max but then don't lose any more, obviously if it goes down to low top it up but you may find it settles around half full.

I tried an oil thickener in a previous 850 (same engine as the V70) and now suspect that it caused it to get worse, that's not the same as using a 10/40 but go carefully.

[m30rmf]

^^^^^^^ What he said, had an old peugeot many years ago that I topped up weekly for months, let it drop to half and never topped it up again between services......

[CJL]

Originally Posted by DaveNP

From experience with other vehicles try checking the level more often but DO NOT top it up every time, some vehicles seem to reach an oil level below the max but then don't lose any more, obviously if it goes down to low top it up but you may find it settles around half full.

I would echo this. My V40 T4 drops quickly to midway on the dip-stick, then stays there hardly using anymore.