XC70 2.5t 2006 Oil Leak drivers side, looking for assistance

deutschengineer

Hallo Volvo people,

I recently bought a 2006 XC70 2.5t well below the 1k mark, with the thought if I can't fix it, it will at least drive itself to the wreckers. Odometer: 228.000km

There is oil leaking over the control arms on driver's side of the engine bay, below the cam seals which is what I suspect. There is also leaked oil on the cover beneath the engine. When I pulled the car home last night I would say it dropped about 250mL of oil doing 22km drive. To drive there is still no problems with reaching RPMs and acceleration, though I know this issue will over time destroy the engine (and my wallet in extra oil).

I will also do the glove test for the PCV, apparently this is a common issue for this year of car.

For the experts here, what other areas are common for leaks? The Voldat guys near me in Cheltenham, Victoria, quoted $800 for the cam seal fix. I can get the seals for $50 online, but I also understand I need a special wrench for the timing.

I am a student engineer at RMIT, and have a reliable Skoda for day to day (and I take the train anyway). My objective is to get it roadworthy, and then take it on some big bash trips, where it would likely live out the rest of its life with students. Also, the car is excellent condition of electronics and interior, so that's nice.

If anyone is in Melbourne and has garage space or would like to help me out, please get in contact :) I would like to get my hands dirty, but some guiding hands would be great.

Kind regards Volvo friends,

deutschengineer

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Here's some photos!

adrianw

My XC70 (06) did that, showing up oil pooling under the drivers side control arm, it ended up being the PCV needing a good service and the steering reservoir lid leaking, however your steering reservoir looks like its not leaking. i had a bad leak from my oil fill cap too, due to a crappy seal and pcv issues.

I found the constant oil on the control arm, slowly destroyed the rubbers as well.

the PCV was easy to do, watched you tube and googled the crap out of it, took approx a day to do.

Cheers

Adrian

deutschengineer

adrianw
My XC70 (06) did that, showing up oil pooling under the drivers side control arm, it ended up being the PCV needing a good service and the steering reservoir lid leaking, however your steering reservoir looks like its not leaking. i had a bad leak from my oil fill cap too, due to a crappy seal and pcv issues.
I found the constant oil on the control arm, slowly destroyed the rubbers as well.
the PCV was easy to do, watched you tube and googled the crap out of it, took approx a day to do.
Cheers
Adrian

Thanks a lot Adrian. I will check the PCV tomorrow, that was a suspicion of mine. Will keep updated.

nh2868

The whiteblock engine also has an O ring around the oil pump which fails and dumps heaps of oil down there.

You can see the job at 30:07 on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4We7wbtwbI

If you remove the covers from the timing belt, you should be able to see if the oil is only on the bottom of the engine. I assume you're aware, but if you tackle this job yourself please make sure that you know how the timing belt goes back on correctly. Getting that detail wrong is the fastest way to send your bargain straight to the scrappers.

deutschengineer

nh2868
The whiteblock engine also has an O ring around the oil pump which fails and dumps heaps of oil down there.
You can see the job at 30:07 on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4We7wbtwbI
If you remove the covers from the timing belt, you should be able to see if the oil is only on the bottom of the engine. I assume you're aware, but if you tackle this job yourself please make sure that you know how the timing belt goes back on correctly. Getting that detail wrong is the fastest way to send your bargain straight to the scrappers.

Thanks Staggers and Adrian.

Did the glove test tonight after uni. Result:

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Glove blew up strong. So I suspect PCV is clogged or valve is broken, hopefully the former. I also understand this may not be the end of the leak, but it's a step I think.

I will service PCV next, then move onto cam seal if no change. But surprisingly there was no floor drop of oil on tonight's warm up drive.

nh2868

The PCV system is pretty straightforward and worth doing, even if it's not the ultimate solution to all oil leaks. FCPEuro sells a kit including the catch can, hoses and clamps. They also have videos on how to do the job and what to look out for. https://blog.fcpeuro.com/volvo-pcv-breather-box-guide-symptoms-and-diagnosis

Highly suggest replacing the brittle hoses and PCV tank - you'll never clean it out enough to reuse.

Also worth looking at the check valve...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmj1SP8rcrQ at 4 minute mark. There's an upgraded check valve available which is cheap insurance.

Usually the return port to the sump will be almost completely blocked with carbon - long service intervals and cheap oil aren't good for these engines.