Hello,

The rear main seal is leaking on my car. It is an $850 repair, yuck.

My question is if there is excessive crank case pressure then should I replace the crankcase vent system thinking that that would alleviate the leak?

Also the check engine light is on, no reset switch on '96's shold I take it to a shop to have them reset it?

Thanks for any help.

Josh

My 93 850 with 213 k was leaking bad from the rear main
I started using hasting oil filters If you ever saw one cut open you would know why. after 2 oil changes the leak stoped and the bottom of the engine is bone dry 274 k now go figure.

I have seen obd readers at wall\ mart for 99 bucks go figure

I had oil leaking from everywhere last year, spraying out of the dipstick, rear main, etc. Like Klaus said, some have gotten lucky with replacing the flame trap - yes I am one of those people. It's a 3 dollar part and it stopped ALL oil leaking, so I'd try that first. The dealer here in Portland (Jim Fisher) tried to sell me on the rear main replacement for 1000 dollars and I walked. I do not trust the dealer mechanic at all, sorry. They took me for a dumb kid - well I know more than they think. At any rate - that's my suggestion.
--
1995 850 Sedan, Naturally Aspirated, 143k mi
No major upgrades yet.

Autozone and Pepboys will read and reset the CEL for you. Just write down all the numbers so you don't forget.
Normally, the rear main seal will last IF the crankcase pressure is kept to a minimum. Once it starts leaking, replacing the flame trap and the oil separator will not necessarily stop it. Some have gotten lucky.
Depending on the miles, you might need a new oil separator anyway, along with new vacuum lines.

Klaus
--
1975 164 w/174,800mi (Sold) 1995 850T w/91,000mi, 1998 V70R w/129,000mi

Klaus,

"Autozone and Pepboys will read and reset the CEL for you. Just write down all the numbers so you don't forget."

Thanks for the reply, what numbers are you refering to? I'll be happy to get them, what does CEL refer to.

Thanks for the help, I'm new to 850's have been in 240's and 740's for a while.

Josh

You will need access to an OBDII scanner to retrieve and delete trouble codes stored in the computer.

Klaus

Josh:

It's time to show your volvo some love. I would just take it to the dealer and burn a platinum card to get the thing right again. If you think of a small metal ring that is driven in with a brass hammer and think it will pop itself in somehow, I don't think it will. Good idea with the oil separator. Your car should be good for a long time after the repair. My 94 doesn't need a code reader, but you should get one for yours. Maybe Klaus or someone knows where. IPD sells them, but they are not cheap.

How nice, Gwen. I have never been polically correct, and never even considered myself as a statesman.
He needs to have his 850 "inspected" by a reputable Volvo mechanic, dealer or independent. Even a dealer will give him a list a mile long of probable repairs, that he may elect to do. At least he will have a starting point.

Klaus
--
1975 164 w/174,800mi (Sold) 1995 850T w/91,000mi, 1998 V70R w/129,000mi

Klaus:

Just commpleted the O ring installation on son's 94 850. Great learining experience for sure. One thing I noticed with the pan off is a square port which connects to the engine venting system or oil trap. This even seemed somewhat blocked toward the bottom of the pan. After vatting it and receivng it back there still was a lot of varnish in the bottom. Took some Turtle Wax Oil Eater and that cleaned all the varnish off. It appears that if there is too much sludge build up in the pan that this return port might block. This is a need 200K engine that has not always had perfect care. Anyway, an observation. This is quite an engine that Porsche designed for Volvo!

Next: timing belt and soon RMS.

dick

Hi Dick,

I'm sorry but I dont get that one.

Wich O ring did you replaced with the oil pan off ?

--
Norm

For the pump's return lines...pumps the oil back up to the top of the engine. He's lucky he caught it in time. I've heard of whole engines getting fubarred from these leaking and losing the pump's ability to circulate the engine oil.
--
1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic (125K), 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red (45K), Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon (Sold at 140K and miss her). My cars have been running so well lately they've got me worried.