Hi,

I own a 1995 Volvo 850 GLE (No turbo) with 216,000KM and it is in very good condition. I use synthetic oil and lately have been noticing that the car uses quite a bit of oil. For every 5000KM, I would have put in 2-3 liters to keep it to the full oil mark. Is this too excessive? I don't see it smokin' and no visual oil leaks, but it's using oil.

What are some things that I should be looking for?

Chris

A dealer will say it is normal, but he wants to sell you a new engine! Any consumption is too much for me, my limit is 1/2L per 5,000Km.

If it doesn't smoke and there are no drips, then it is leaking while driving and the engine is under load. It is time to check the PCV system. First, open up the PCV valve next to the throttle body, take out the plastic screen and throw it in the garbage. Then make sure the small line is clog free, sometimes it will build up plaque that is almost impossible to remove.

Start the engine and when warm, pull the oil dipstick and see if there is vacuum (good) or pressure (bad). If pressure, the oil separator will need replacing along with its lines.

Klaus
--
Just driving a 1998 V70R :)