1990 245 oil leak problem

My daughters 90 245 developed a substantial oil leak when she stopped driving today. It appears the leak is coming from somewhere towards the back end on the motor.From what I could see the oil pan was covered with oil. Luckily she shut it off right away and had it towed to my mechanic. The pan itself didn't appear to be damage and the drain plug was tight. I know the details are sketchy but just trying to get an idea of what I may hear from my mechanic on Monday. Any help appreciated.

Reply to
PK
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Could be something as simple as a valve cover gasket/seal at the rear of the valve cover.

__ __ Randy & \ \/ /alerie's \__/olvos '90 245 Estate - '93 965 Estate "Shelby" & "Kate"

Reply to
Randy G.

I'd second that, to elaborate more there's a rubber plug in the back of the cylinder head inline with the camshaft where the distributor would mount if the engine was in a 700 series. It can pop out sometimes, particularly if your flame trap becomes clogged. With decent maintenance I'd expect at least another 100K out of that car.

Reply to
James Sweet

If the car was running OK when she stopped it, then hopefully that's all it is- maybe even something like the oil mist box broke or the oil pressure switch came out (not likely, but possible)

Now for the bad news... It could be a failed rear main seal (or front seal for that matter). The rear would be expensive the front not quite so much.

If you have a weak stomach of thin wallet read no further.......

Worst case- It is possible for a piston to fail (puncture) and the pressure caused in the crankcase pushed the seal out... about the most expensive oil leak there is... :-(

__ __ Randy & \ \/ /alerie's \__/olvos '90 245 Estate - '93 965 Estate "Shelby" & "Kate"

Reply to
Randy G.

Randy Hopefully it is something minor. The car has 175,000 on it but has been maintained faithfully. I'm hoping for at least another 50,000. Thanks for the response.

Reply to
PK

Maybe I'm out of tune, being it is a 1990, but does that still have the flame trap? Our 85 765T doesn't have a flame trap and when the ventilation system plugged it still managed to disgorge oil from the crankcase at a shocking rate. Anyway, when I hear of a 240/740 suddenly gushing oil I always think of crankcase ventilation.

Even if this isn't the problem, cleaning the ventilation system couldn't hurt.

Mike

Reply to
Michael Pardee

Turbo cars were never fitted witha flame trap, however the oil separator box below where the flame trap sits is notorious for clogging and blowing out seals plugs, and dipsticks.

Bob

Reply to
User

All non-turbo 4 cylinder OHC Volvos have a flame trap, the turbos have the same arrangement, just no actual trap screen.

Reply to
James Sweet

The car was running fine before the problem started. She had just come off about a 5 mile drive on the highway. It may have started before she shut the car off because she smelled the oil on the engine when she stopped. I didn't see the puddle of oil but she said it was substantial under the car when she stopped. We'll find out Monday. I have a great (reasonable) Volvo mechanic who knows this car inside and out. Thanks again for all the responses.

Reply to
PK

CLEAN it up spick and span , so that the leak can be found .Use good oil not the cheap but expensive stuff .I use synthetic oil so there's not worries with clogging up .I notice Havaline or caltex as its called here is very cheap compared with other synthetic oils any one had any experience with their synthetic range .Mobil one now is around AU$65.00and BP 5000 synthetic has risen in cost as well .Your mileage means you have a puppy Good oil and it will run 3 times long just keep changing the anti corrosion and the filters and oil .By the way my sons car has done 300000 no leaks its a 1990

240 .

Reply to
John Robertson

It was the cam plug on the rear of the cylinder head. He replaced the plug, gasket, 1 hr labor, $90 out the door. You guys set my mind at ease for the weekend. Seeing a puddle of oil under the engine is a little unsettling. James, thanks again for the on the money diagnose.

Reply to
PK

Did he clean the flame trap? If it or the oil separator box are clogged the new plug will blow out quickly, or worse the front or rear main seals will blow.

Reply to
James Sweet

He told me that he did clean the ventilation system but he also said that he had removed the flame trap a while ago. As I was in a hurry I didn't ask if he had removed it permanently or removed it to clean it. I'll have to call him. Can the flame trap be removed permanently? He has done all the work on this car for at least 4 years. Thanks

Reply to
PK

It can be, I wouldn't recommend it though, there's really no reason to remove it, it's a cheap and easily cleaned/replaced part.

Reply to
James Sweet

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