Thanks to those of you who took the time to respond with information from your experience. Not sure if I need to say this, but I feel I should explain why there are long intervals between my responses. Right now I am jammed with a number of things that require my attention. So I have precious little time to look into fixing this oil leak, or even to deal with other automotive concerns. In any case, I am taking things one step at a time as time permits. I'd like to determine if I have excessive pressure in the crankcase ventilation system (CVS). I examined the flame trap gizmo with the little holes in it, but I could not get that part out of the hose without breaking it. It did not look clogged. I will get another flame trap and install the new one later.
Next I started the engine, cold, and loosened the oil filler cap. It danced happily in place and rattled. I then turned the cap upside down and put it on the opening. It would not stay in place without me holding it. Then I placed my gloved hand over the filler opening and seemed to get some pulsing pressure. Definitely did not feel any vacuum. I am concluding that there is some degree of pressure in the breather system. My next step will be to order a new flame trap and oil separator box. Given my lack of available time and the difficulty of removing and replacing the oil separator box as described by Dave Stevens in his submission of October 31, I am thinking of paying a mechanic to do that job. After that is completed, I am planning to change out the timing belt, seals, water pump, and fan belts myself. After considering what you all had to say,I am assuming that either the PCV system pressure, the Elring seals, or a combination of both led to my leaking seals.
QUESTIONS:
1. For "kittysgreyvolvo". You wrote on October 18, 2014 under "PCV Glove test question... 200 1993""
" I'd read some merely unsure the oil fill cap, so you can lift it away, yet start the engine. A proper PCV vacuum through the engine sump spaces means the oil fill cap remains on the valve cover without rattle.

I pull the PCV hose off the clean air intake pipe, and remove the small vacuum hose and plug it. Remove the oil fill cap, and blow. Air should travel through the sump and out the oil fill cap hole thingy.

Replace the oil fill cap and secure it. And blow. Should be hard as heck to blow through the engine sump space."


1. My question is how exactly do you blow into the system?
2. Can I expect any general auto mechanic to perform the R & R of the oil separator box competently?
3. Do I assume a new seal for the oil separator will come with the box?
4. machine man on Sat Nov 2 2019 wrote about the issue of failed seals. I have heard this from other sources about Elring seals. My preferred online supplier, FCP Euro, includes Elring seals in the timing belt kit. I will order another full kit. What brand of oil seal might be recommended, preferably one carried by FCP Euro?
5. Oh, one more question. On this 91 Volvo California car, the flame trap is sorta under another hose. It would be more convenient to have it a ways above everything else. Is there an easy, proven way to have it stick out above to make it easy to check?
Thanks, guys. I am interested in any comments you may have.