1990 245 oil leak problem

Discussion in 'Volvo 240' started by PK, Oct 1, 2005.

  1. PK

    PK Guest

    My daughters 90 245 developed a substantial oil leak when she stopped
    driving today. It appears the leak is coming from somewhere towards the back
    end on the motor.From what I could see the oil pan was covered with oil.
    Luckily she shut it off right away and had it towed to my mechanic. The pan
    itself didn't appear to be damage and the drain plug was tight. I know the
    details are sketchy but just trying to get an idea of what I may hear from
    my mechanic on Monday. Any help appreciated.
     
    PK, Oct 1, 2005
    #1
  2. PK

    Randy G. Guest

    Could be something as simple as a valve cover gasket/seal at the rear
    of the valve cover.

    __ __
    Randy & \ \/ /alerie's
    \__/olvos
    '90 245 Estate - '93 965 Estate
    "Shelby" & "Kate"
     
    Randy G., Oct 1, 2005
    #2
  3. PK

    James Sweet Guest

    I'd second that, to elaborate more there's a rubber plug in the back of the
    cylinder head inline with the camshaft where the distributor would mount if
    the engine was in a 700 series. It can pop out sometimes, particularly if
    your flame trap becomes clogged. With decent maintenance I'd expect at least
    another 100K out of that car.
     
    James Sweet, Oct 1, 2005
    #3
  4. PK

    Randy G. Guest

    If the car was running OK when she stopped it, then hopefully that's
    all it is- maybe even something like the oil mist box broke or the oil
    pressure switch came out (not likely, but possible)

    Now for the bad news... It could be a failed rear main seal (or front
    seal for that matter). The rear would be expensive the front not quite
    so much.

    If you have a weak stomach of thin wallet read no further.......






    Worst case- It is possible for a piston to fail (puncture) and the
    pressure caused in the crankcase pushed the seal out... about the most
    expensive oil leak there is... :-(


    __ __
    Randy & \ \/ /alerie's
    \__/olvos
    '90 245 Estate - '93 965 Estate
    "Shelby" & "Kate"
     
    Randy G., Oct 2, 2005
    #4
  5. PK

    PK Guest

    Randy
    Hopefully it is something minor. The car has 175,000 on it but has been
    maintained faithfully. I'm hoping for at least another 50,000. Thanks for
    the response.
     
    PK, Oct 2, 2005
    #5
  6. Maybe I'm out of tune, being it is a 1990, but does that still have the
    flame trap? Our 85 765T doesn't have a flame trap and when the ventilation
    system plugged it still managed to disgorge oil from the crankcase at a
    shocking rate. Anyway, when I hear of a 240/740 suddenly gushing oil I
    always think of crankcase ventilation.

    Even if this isn't the problem, cleaning the ventilation system couldn't
    hurt.

    Mike
     
    Michael Pardee, Oct 2, 2005
    #6
  7. PK

    User Guest

    Turbo cars were never fitted witha flame trap, however the oil separator
    box below where the flame trap sits is notorious for clogging and
    blowing out seals plugs, and dipsticks.

    Bob
     
    User, Oct 2, 2005
    #7
  8. PK

    James Sweet Guest

    All non-turbo 4 cylinder OHC Volvos have a flame trap, the turbos have the
    same arrangement, just no actual trap screen.
     
    James Sweet, Oct 2, 2005
    #8
  9. PK

    PK Guest

    The car was running fine before the problem started. She had just come off
    about a 5 mile drive on the highway. It may have started before she shut the
    car off because she smelled the oil on the engine when she stopped. I didn't
    see the puddle of oil but she said it was substantial under the car when she
    stopped. We'll find out Monday. I have a great (reasonable) Volvo mechanic
    who knows this car inside and out. Thanks again for all the responses.
     
    PK, Oct 2, 2005
    #9
  10. CLEAN it up spick and span , so that the leak can be found .Use good oil not
    the cheap but expensive stuff .I use synthetic oil so there's not worries
    with clogging up .I notice Havaline or caltex as its called here is very
    cheap compared with other synthetic oils any one had any experience with
    their synthetic range .Mobil one now is around AU$65.00and BP 5000 synthetic
    has risen in cost as well .Your mileage means you have a puppy Good oil and
    it will run 3 times long just keep changing the anti corrosion and the
    filters and oil .By the way my sons car has done 300000 no leaks its a 1990
    240 .
     
    John Robertson, Oct 2, 2005
    #10
  11. PK

    PK Guest

    It was the cam plug on the rear of the cylinder head. He replaced the plug,
    gasket, 1 hr labor, $90 out the door. You guys set my mind at ease for the
    weekend. Seeing a puddle of oil under the engine is a little unsettling.
    James, thanks again for the on the money diagnose.
     
    PK, Oct 4, 2005
    #11
  12. PK

    James Sweet Guest

    Did he clean the flame trap? If it or the oil separator box are clogged the
    new plug will blow out quickly, or worse the front or rear main seals will
    blow.
     
    James Sweet, Oct 4, 2005
    #12
  13. PK

    PK Guest

    He told me that he did clean the ventilation system but he also said that he
    had removed the flame trap a while ago. As I was in a hurry I didn't ask if
    he had removed it permanently or removed it to clean it. I'll have to call
    him. Can the flame trap be removed permanently? He has done all the work
    on this car for at least 4 years.
    Thanks
     
    PK, Oct 4, 2005
    #13
  14. PK

    James Sweet Guest

    It can be, I wouldn't recommend it though, there's really no reason to
    remove it, it's a cheap and easily cleaned/replaced part.
     
    James Sweet, Oct 5, 2005
    #14
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