PCV renewed - still dipstick smoke :(
 

So the recently acquired T5R had its PCV done before I collected it. Receipt from the garage stating the bits that have been replaced, the oil trap (?) box hoses etc. However it still seems to smoke from the dipstick when warm. Has something not been done correctly or is there a further issue somewhere?

Thanks in advance
Mark

This one has been done to death. If you put factory stuff on there, what you have is no surprise, and nor should it be. Read the FAQ

With the dipstick in place, the engine idling, do you have suction or pressure when you undo the oil filler cap? A rubber/nitrile glove held over the filler is the easiest way to confirm.

It may just need some run time after the PCV replacement, a nice long journey once you've sorted the boost issue, and another oil change for good measure. But...and there is a but...if the garage have neglected to properly clear the lower port which returns the oil from the catchcan back into the sump you may issues down the line. To understand what I mean have a read through the following threads

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=181833

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=175153

I've done the glove thing and it still puffs up a little which is annoying, hence me posting. The had a good 2 hour run back from being collected from where we bought it from but it seems as though nothings been done, I could be wrong of course. Great links there and work from CNGBiFuel too.

I need to suss out my boost issue which really is a pain in the ar$e and could have a vacuum related issue. There seems to be so many bloody vacuum lines on the 850 its a maze of potential problems. Is there a full vacuum diagram anywhere showing all the various lines and connections other than the usual turbo to turbo control valve red/yellow/blue layouts?

Many thank
Mark

Hi Mark,

Excuse me if you know all about the system but if not the following video is worth a watch first: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otzkZ_f3Y3s

Was this done by Volvo/ Volvo specialist? It's a job that needs knowledge and some TLC.

I've just done the PCV myself with Volvo parts. My 170,000 mile car that had a smoking dipstick and a glove that wanted to take off now sucks through both holes so a few of suggestions on top of what has been mentioned already:

1. Check the PTC valve was cleaned. If it's blocked, the system won't work properly. Mine needed a good clean out.
2. Check the tube from the oil trap box to the top of the cylinder head was replaced or thoroughly cleaned. I was surprised that Volvo don't replace this as standard during the job. Mine needed a good clean
3. Do an engine oil flush and change to clean out the internal channels.
4. If you watch Robert DIY's video on this, even he tears the small rubber connecting elbow that goes into the intake manifold (drivers side). during reassembly. Worth a look as it's vulnerable.
5. Worst case - routing the pipework is fiddly and requires patience; it's possible that a pipe may have been broken during assembly as they're quite fragile.

Best regards,

Rich.

Hi Rich, yes the PCV was done by a Volvo specialist in the South West (AT Autos in Witney I think) and the car had an oil and filter change at the same time so in theory it should have been done properly. I do like a bit of Robert DIY and have seen many of his videos, great guy. Is the rogue elbow accessible visible when looking under the bonnet?

I really don't want to be faffing redoing things so just wanted to sanity check things first.

Hi,

Yes. If you look through under the thermostat/coolant hose from the front of the car, you can see it joining the side of the manifold. You'll need a torch and it's easier if you take out the air tube for the ECU box (really easy unplug).

Best of luck,

Rich.

Howdy Pups

When i did the PCV on my second R I also had positive crank pressure

Undid the trap and pipe work gave both ports a really aggressive clean out with large format pipe cleaners

Negative pressure ever since

Oil and filter replaced again but at forty quid got to be worth it

Off to Witney tonight but from post you are miles away !!!

The original pipework is make of eggshells.

I replaced all of mine with fuel hose. Significantly cheaper and more robust.