1. Home
  2. Volvo automobiles
  3. Oil Blow - Flame Trap Clogged? B230FT (940 Turbo)

Oil Blow - Flame Trap Clogged? B230FT (940 Turbo)

I looked at my wife's engine (B230FT - USA 1994 940 Turbo) today and noticed quite a bit of oil around the oil fill cap, and the trail of it running down the valve cover and off the back end of the engine. Since I had the oil changed a few days ago I figured it could be from a messy oil refill. I wiped up the oil that I could reach, then sprayed engine degreaser and sprayed it off.

After driving for ~30 miles I popped the hood and looked at the valve cover. Once again oil was leaking around the oil filler cap and runnnig down the valve cover and off the back of the engine.

Thinking there may be too much oil in the engine I checked the oil level and there is the correct amount - the oil level is right in the middle of the XXXXXXX part of the oil dipstick.

So I went online and saw the SwedishBricks information on oil leaks and how a clogged flame trap can cause it.

What I need to know is this:

1) Does it sound like a clogged crankcase breather system? 1) Does the B230FT (USA 1994 940) have a flame trap? I have seen that they have it and also that they do not. 2) How do I access it? Do I need to remove the intake manifold? Or any other parts? Step-by-step instructions with visual aids (diagrams or photos) would be helpful.

NCMan

Reply to
NCMan
Loading thread data ...

Yes, it sounds like a clogged crankcase vent, no your turbo motor

*shouldn't* have a flame trap but that's not to say nobody put one in there. You should be able to access it without removing the manifold, though the oil separated box bolted to the block may be plugged in which case you'll have to take off the intake, not particularly hard to do though.
Reply to
James Sweet

More likely the oil separator box has clogged up, does this on high mileage turbo and non turbo engines. I changed mine and what a difference.

Stuart.

Reply to
Stuart Gray

That's my prime suspect, too. The box can be removed and reinstalled with a modest amount of work (two 10 mm bolts and some twisting and grunting), but you will probably need to replace the o-rings on the bottom once it is disturbed.

A new one is definitely the way to go. It can be cleaned out somewhat with solvent, but I had to dig the deposits out of the upper tube on mine to get back on the road. I also had to replace the hose that connected to the top of it, since it was plugged almost solid! Anyway, if you try to clean the separator, it should feel like a 3/8 inch hole when you blow through it, not like a soda straw. (And wipe the oil off your lips before asking the wife for a kiss!) ;-)

Mike

Reply to
Michael Pardee

OK, that's what I suspected, but hoped it was not. Now for the nitty-gritty.

I have not done anything like this, but it should be in the realm of my average do-it-yourself skills. I am a very visual person (though I CAN read ), and would appreciate any pictoral images of the removal process.

If you know of any good images post the link, and I will get them from there.

Yes, I did find the swedishbricks info, but it was all text.

Thanks everyone.

NCMan

Reply to
NCMan

I found the hose that goes from the Turbo unit over the valve cover to the black box under the manifold. The large hose to the turbo, and the smaller hose from a "T" to the manifold, were all open. Dirty on the inside walls of course, but still clear of total obstructions.

From reading the responses the flame box itself can get clogged, so I will work to replace that. Didn't see the bolts, since there is so much accumulated oily sludge in and around the box.

Again, pictures will be greatly appreciated.

NCMan

Reply to
NCMan

formatting link
This should help.

Harold

Reply to
grtdane63

The Volvo turbo engines do not have a "flame trap" but do have an oil breather. The oil breather is a black box located under your intake manifold and can be checked by attaching a length of fuel line hose and blowing into it. If you are unable to blow through the breather is most likely clogged and must be replaced.If it is not clogged you may need to look at your turbocharger. You may also want to check the vacuum hose off the oil trap nipple to make sure it is not clogged. The intake manifold is in the way but does not have to be removed!

"NCMan" wrote in message news:sfJrd.240$ snipped-for-privacy@twister.southeast.rr.com...

Reply to
joseph amitrano

Strange, that is just like the one the 360s (B200E etc) but different to the one on my 95 940SE Turbo (B230FT). Note the item in the picture is not the flame trap and is an oil seperator. In my experience this never becomes clogged, but all my engines (and most of the ones I have known in other cars) all get fully warmed up, get regular oil changes and clogging is not an issue. A friend did once get a clogged old type flame trap on a 360 (coiled foil type, just above the oil seperator) and popped the plastic plug at the back of the head spraying the engine bay with oil, but he never changed his oil.

The poster only complains of trickle of oil, the most likely cause in this case is a hardened seal on the filler cap (about 2 quid from volvo). Best way to check oil breather is to unscrew the filler cap and try to lift very gently, it should tug slightly then release when lifted.

-- Tony Stanley

Reply to
Tony Stanley

MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.