1997 850 Volvo burning oil.

what you should do is a compression test first. You could have bad piston rings, or valve guides.

Also look at your anti-freeze if you have oil in it you have a blown head gasket.

sorry but it could be one of these or a cloged oil breather set up (PVC valve ?)

Hi "socraticquest",

1. What is your oil consumption? (Kilomtres/litre or Miles/Quart).
2. Is there a puff of blue smoke from the tailpipe when you start up after an overnight park?
3. Do you leave a trail of blue smoke as you drive down the road?
4. Is there oil dripping from below the engine compartment?
5. What is the mileage on this engine?

This info will be helpful in finding the cause of the oil consumption.