Volvo AWD 850 Forum

INDEX FOR 10/2025(CURRENT) INDEX FOR 2/2021 850 INDEX

[<<] [>>]

THREADED

THREADED EXPANDED

FLAT

PRINT ALL

MESSAGES IN THIS THREAD

REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE

SAVE

Use of engine cleaner to keep flame trap clear 850 1996

posted by ADub on Thu Jan 28 02:35 CST 2010
Author: [PROFILE] [EVERY POST] [THREADS] [BEST POSTS]

[IGNORE ALL POSTS]

last visit: Tue Mar 6 12:55 CST 2012

[RELATED]

I was talking to the tech at a Volvo dealership after an accident repair (I'm not paying for it, so I didn't care!). I brought up flame trap maintenance on my 96 850T, and he said as long as you perform regular oil changes, the trap shouldn't get gunked up. He also said there is no PCV, it's just a box, so it's unlikely to get clogged.

My question is - using Seafoam or Auto RX occassionally, will this help break up any gunk in the flame trap system?

thx.
--
'96 855 Wagon, 200k (and formerly 97 850, 120k)

REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE

Replies to this message will be emailed.

SAVE

Use of engine cleaner to keep flame trap clear 850 1996

posted by KlausC on Thu Jan 28 05:02 CST 2010
Author: [PROFILE] [EVERY POST] [THREADS] [BEST POSTS]

[IGNORE ALL POSTS]

last visit: Fri Oct 24 10:15 CST 2014

[RELATED]

Using synthetic engine oil helps keep the sludge at bay. AutoRx and Seafoam are not 'additives' but treatments and are not to be left in engines for 3-5,000 miles, waiting for the next oil change.

One of the benefits to changing the oil separator box, is changing the vacuum lines that are part of the system. After 10 years, the lines get brittle and start to crack, which causes leaks, which then causes the engine to run rich, which then causes the O2 sensors to fail.

Ask your dealer if the mechanics ever clean out the PCT nipple. I'll bet the answer is no. More income is produced by replacing parts than 'fixing' the problem.

Klaus

--
Proud owner of a 220S. If I had more room, I would have more Volvos.

REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE

SAVE

Use of engine cleaner to keep flame trap clear 850 1996

posted by mbliss on Thu Jan 28 08:43 CST 2010
Author: [PROFILE] [EVERY POST] [THREADS] [BEST POSTS]

[IGNORE ALL POSTS]

last visit: Tue Oct 21 20:49 CST 2014

[RELATED]

Am I missing something here? His turbo shouldn't have a flame trap at all, should it? And the separator box and associated hoses can get plugged as well as cracked, right? Sounds to me like that "Volvo tech" needs to go back to tech school. I would be curious if he had a response to a question about the PCT nipple. Anyone want to bet on whether he would know what that was?

--
'96 850 and '83 244 DL both at about 200K; gone but not forgotten '81 245 and '64 Amazon

REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE

SAVE

Use of engine cleaner to keep flame trap clear 850 1996

posted by KlausC on Thu Jan 28 09:32 CST 2010
Author: [PROFILE] [EVERY POST] [THREADS] [BEST POSTS]

[IGNORE ALL POSTS]

last visit: Fri Oct 24 10:15 CST 2014

[RELATED]

Just terminology. Correct, there is no 'flame trap' on turbos, or newer cars for that matter. Any engine with a flame trap, should have the mesh screen thrown in the trash.

The PCT is the turbo equvilent of the flame trap, ie. where vacuum is produced to exhaust the crankcase fumes. Because of the design of the hose holder, it can get clogged over the years.

We all know that dealer 'service' reps are not professional mechanics. But you should smile while talking to them, who knows, you might get your bill lowered.

Klaus
--
Proud owner of a 220S. If I had more room, I would have more Volvos.

<< < > >>

Brickboard.com is not affiliated with nor sponsored by AB Volvo, Volvo Car Corporation, Volvo Cars of North America, Inc. or Ford Motor Company. Brickboard.com is a Volvo owner/enthusiast site, similar to a club, and does not intend to pose as an official Volvo site. The official Volvo site can be found here.