Hello Klaus,

Thanks for the response. I was starting to think that my question was so long that no one wanted to read it.

My V70 is a non-turbo. Sorry if I misled you. I guess checking crankcase pressure with the glove is still a valid test, but tracking down a clog in the PCV system would be different. Does cleaning the PCV system require removing the intake manifold?

I have replaced valve seals on other cars with the head in place by using either air pressure through the spark plug hole, or by feeding a soft rope into the spark plug hole and bring the piston up to press the rope against the valves. Do you know if this is possible with this engine?

Finally, do you have any idea if the oil burning is likely to ruin the cat?

Thanks again,
Charley