Thnaks for the responses

I did replace the center shaft seal. Not that bad a job. Prior to replacement the rotor did have some play in it, so I thought I was on the right track. But the #%#$! still leaked.

I thought maybe I could still have a bad large o-ring so I replaced that and it still leaked.

I put a high temp RTV around the outside of the o-ring so that it would seal to the end of the head. It still leaks...

I had checked the surface of the bore where the oring should seal with inspection mirror and it appeared smooth.

The surface at the back of the head appears smooth without any scratches.

It is difficult after removing distributor to see tracks of oil, I'm using synthetic and its so clear and thin that it doesnt leave much of a trace!!

The only thng I can think of is that maybe my shaft on distrib. is bad? Or the o-rings are the wrong size, (got them from local Volvo dealer.)

Or maybe the oil is blowing up to the distributor from the rear seal. (doubt that) BTW the size of the leak is about a 6 inch thin stain after sitting overnight.

I'm getting a little frustrated, because other than this the car is working well. (just need to get my bilstiens and Swaybar ordered)

I will spend some time looking after work at it, something is missing here and I just can't figure it out!!

jc



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1985 740gle na, 1990 740gle 16 valve

The shaft seal almost never causes a measureable oil leak. When it does, there is oil inside the distributor cap. Eventually it will run down the back of the head but unless there's oil inside the cap, your problem is elsewhere.

I had the same exact problem on a B230f, replaced *all* seals and the valve cover gasket and the $%@^& thing still leaked oil down the back of the head. Uninstalled and reinstalled the distributor 4 times thinking that the new o-rings must be bad somehow. Turns out that my problem was the valve cover gasket. Even though I had just replaced it, there was a piece of crud in the half-circle part that goes up over the distributor shaft that caused the new gasket to leak. So I'll bet a leaking valve cover gasket is your problem also.

Resist the urge to use RTV on gaskets, o-rings, and seals. It's never needed, and it's completely uncraftsmanlike.

Good luck.

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Matt L. -- Cary, NC -- '89 740 sedan -- '91 740 wagon

Matt, Absolutely agree on the RTV thing, I was getting desparate!!

Anyway, using a mirror, I've checked near the gasket and half-moon in the back, and couldn't see for sure, I'm going to check again tonight. Perhaps, the drip in the back on distributor is just a very minor leak, and the majority of leak is coming from rear seal!

I just wish I had one of those tiny little cameras to put in there and then drive around....

anyway, appreciate the input.

jc
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1985 740gle na, 1990 740gle 16 valve