TheLash
I can see the old hands rolling their eyes. PCV here we go again. Well I dodged doing it on my first 240 but now my 940 has shiney oil all over the rocker cover and I have to clean it out. My question is why does the flame trap have to be buried under the intake manifold? After I dig it out and replace it, can I relocate it further along the pipe towards the point where the pipe joins the intake. This would locate the flame trap where it was easily removed and cleaned regularly. I don't think it needs to be orientated "vertically", it will stop a flame from propagating if it is horizontal. Does it need to be as close as possible to the oil separator box? I can't see why? Surely someone has experimented with relocating this thing to where it can be accessed easily. It looks like I will have to remove the fuel rail and the injectors to get at it from above. Can this flame guard be relocated along the pipe to a better (easier access) place?. I await enlightenment from the experienced.
ramrod
The ventilation system needs maintenance, however once you replace the oil trap (black plastic box bolted to the block and directly under the inlet manifold) and if you keep you oil change intervals to not exceed 6 months, you don't need to touch it unless you have a problem. The flame trap (round 1 inch diameter hose fitting) is much the same. Replace it if it looks too carboned up, then with regular oil changes it won't clog up again. Once you have done this, it is not difficult at all and no relocation will be necessary. Volvo designed the PCV system this way because they thought it was ideal. No fuel rail or injector removal will be necessary either. In fact the only things you need to remove are the very parts you will be replacing. Check the hoses to the oil trap and flame trap, and replace the vacuum hoses while you're there and Robert's your mothers brother
TheLash
OK. So you are suggesting I remove the oil trap box as well to clean it out. This 940 has about 200k on the clock and I suspect the box and the trap have never been cleaned. Access under the manifold is the best way to get at the oil trap box I guess.
ramrod
Yes, few people (save for die hard enthusiasts, Euro mechanics) know that the oil trap even exists (out of sight out of mind). Lack of regular oil changes, sludge build up, oil trap blockage, excess crankcase pressure, blown oil seals, change oil seals, then a year later oil leaks again. Oh we forgot the oil trap. Typical
Don't clean out the oil trap, replace it with a new one. It's cheap enough
Most redblocks haven't had the oil trap and flame trap replaced. I changed my oil trap and my oil leaks went away. This and 6 monthly oil changes, you will never have a problem in this area again
Volvo426
On my 240 940 and 960 i have just pulled the flame traps out and never put them back in my 240 has just done 480,000 km. Just change oil and filter every 10,000 km.
Vee_Que
I would never recommend that. What did you put in place to allow the crankcase to breathe?
ramrod
Probably just an open connector with no screen, unless he blocked it, which is obviously a silly thing to do
Volvo426
I just took out the little screen. Everything is still in place.
Ghettobird
Nothing wrong with where they are placed
A 1/4 ratchet, short extension & a 12mm socket makes short work of the 2 bolts that hold it on.
An 8mm socket takes care of the loom clamp too.
You can get your arm in through the back side of the motor and do it all from there, id set aside about 15 minutes to do one, with a new top hose & vac line.
New boxes been discontinued by our supplier here in Melbourne as of recent, time to start getting them in from overseas again
Just be glad we arent a LHD market with a steering column & brake booster in the way