I was told that one way to check to make sure the PCV sytem is OK is to cover the oil filler hole w/ your palm , and if you feel the vacuum pull on your palm, that means that your PCV system is functioning correctly.

FYI...the suggestion to check the PCV system came up originally because my front main seal is leaking, & I was told that the seal may have broken due to excessive crankcase pressure. That's what sent me out with my palm extended to begin with..... the thought being, why fix the seal without fixing any underlying problems that may be causing that problem...

Question: now that I've done the "PCV test", and the PCV system seems to NOT be working correctly (according to the test I did), what do I do next?

with thanks,

Susan - acting president of the Leaky Volvo Club (LVCOA)

The "palm test" sounds like a handy test. I like it almost as much as the "jiggle test," which still works on an '83 with the metal oil cap.

Look through the archives for "jiggle test" and read all the material written about cleaning the flame trap and associated plumbing.

Yes, a plugged crankcase ventilation system is the number one cause of weeping, leaking seals and puddles (of oil) under your car.


Don Foster (near Cape Cod, MA)

Susan.....check the 700/900 faq, in the engine,crankcase ventilation section....
there's lots of good info there....remember, that basically what you're trying
to do is get a clear path from the throttle body through the flame trap, and then through the oil seperator.....vacuum hoses when they're old will crack, or become plugged...as will any of the fittings.....the great articles in the faq
explain it better than i can...