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What does blue smoke coming out of the tailpipe mean? S40-V40

posted by  Duchess on  Mon Jul 19 00:31 CST 2004
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My son recently bought a used 2003 S40. It had 20,000 miles on it. With close to 23000 miles on it now, it is blowing blue smoke when you first start it up, doesn't last long though. Is it burning oil, obviously it is still under warranty, the original owner was the Volvo dealership's owner. When we picked the car up we were told they had always run synthetic oil in it. On a subsequent visit to finalize the sale we wre told they had changed the oil when servicing for sale back to reg oil. Then upon more questioning they said no, it still is synthetic. So, my question, is that an indicator of the turbo going???????? (The blue smoke) He runs regular gas in it, as we do our S80 and V70 and, it hasn't been a problem for those. ( But they aren't turbo) Thanks








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    What does blue smoke coming out of the tailpipe mean? S40-V40

    posted by  experttech on  Wed Jul 21 12:29 CST 2004
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    I was a Dealer Tech,Shop Foreman in a Volvo dealer for many years left, very recently. There is a big problem with oil pick-up tube seal . It causes the oil to become airiated causing a lack of oil volume to the engine ,turbo,and cylinder head thus causing premature wear.Synthetic oil is not the answer to longevity,CHANGE YOUR OIL EVERY 3K MILES regardless of oil type.Take off the oil fill cap ,if oil is burn't on the bottom of cap, it hasn't had enough oil changes or oil pick-up tube seal has deteriorated.These engines don't consume a lot of oil,1QT. allowed every 1K. miles. experttech








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      What does blue smoke coming out of the tailpipe mean? S40-V40

      posted by  Duchess on  Wed Jul 21 15:38 CST 2004
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      Thanks, I have been trying to figure out why we've always changed our oil every 3,000 miles and now all of a sudden it's ok to wait til 7500 miles. Appreciate the additional information. We will stick with the 3,000. When you say there is a big problem with the oil pick-up seal, do you mean specific to the S40? Thanks








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        What does blue smoke coming out of the tailpipe mean? S40-V40

        posted by  experttech on  Thu Jul 22 05:26 CST 2004
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        This is a problem on all volvo's from the 850 on (all models)they all use the same pick-up tube seal. experttech








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          What does blue smoke coming out of the tailpipe mean? S40-V40

          posted by  Duchess on  Thu Jul 22 12:08 CST 2004
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          Thanks for clarifying that, I'll post back on here what we find out next week. It hasn't had any check engine lights, looks like it would. It's a sporadic problem, hopefully it will be doing it when it goes in.








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    What does blue smoke coming out of the tailpipe mean? S40-V40

    posted by  someone claiming to be Riverside V70 on  Tue Jul 20 16:25 CST 2004 [RELATED]

    My turbo charged V70 doesn't give any blue smoke at start up. Blue smoke means you are burning oil. Blue smoke only at start up could mean valve seals (might mean something else, but I don't know what). If the dealer doesn't diagnose it, make noise about it, lots of noise, since your car should be under warranty and this is not normal. I'll prove to you that it's not normal, many, maybe most, Volvos are turbo charged, just watch the cars being started at the dealers service department while you are there, you will not see blue smoke at start up. This has nothing to do with what grade of gas you are using.








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    What does blue smoke coming out of the tailpipe mean? S40-V40

    posted by  Duchess on  Tue Jul 20 09:50 CST 2004
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    Car's going in next week for service. We were going to do that anyway, I just feel better getting opinions from independent Volvo drivers who don't have an agenda like a dealer may have that sells a previously owned car. It helps to have extra information from people who have had similar experiences. It decreases the chance of being blind-sided. NOT that I mistrust them or anything like that! Also first turbo we've had in the family and from reading the brickboard on the 40 series regarding turbos, I am a little concerned








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    What does blue smoke coming out of the tailpipe mean? S40-V40

    posted by  KlausC on  Mon Jul 19 05:19 CST 2004
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    last visit: Fri Oct 24 10:15 CST 2014
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    Did the dealer tell you a flasehood? Would a politician ever lie? Why is there no trust between a dealer and the customers?

    If there is smoke coming from your car, have the dealer fix it! Now! And also make sure the oil is synthetic. You can always stop at Autozone or a quick change oil place and ask for a second opinion. Oil in the exhaust will hurt your converter and O2 sensors. And it probably is the turbo.

    If your car has a turbo, I would reccomend premium gas - that's what the owner's manual says. The knock sensors will retard your engine if there is any detonation and you will never hear it. Besides, you will get better milage for only 15-20 cents more per gallon, which should make up for the difference.

    Klaus
    --
    95 854T, 88 780, 88 245








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    What does blue smoke coming out of the tailpipe mean? S40-V40

    posted by  someone claiming to be Stormin Norman on  Mon Jul 19 02:18 CST 2004 [RELATED]

    Smoke like you describe is usually oil. Definetly not what you want to see from your newly purchased car.








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      What does blue smoke coming out of the tailpipe mean? S40-V40

      posted by  tony1028 on  Mon Jul 19 05:29 CST 2004
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      In general, on any turbocharged car it's considered normal for a small amount of blue smoke to come from the tail pipe,-but only when first starting it up. If the blue smoke were to contine after the car has warmed up it would be abnormal. I've owned 4 turocharged vehicles all of diffrent makes and they all have done this. Hope this clears up any worries.







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