I need to clean out, or at least check the oil separator and have a few questions.

I check the flame trap at every oil change ~3000 mi. When I blow through the hose to the flame trap, I can feel air at the oil filler cap.

However, When the engine is really struggling, like going up a hill, I can smell fumes and assume I'm building up pressure in the block. I add about 1/2 qt between oil changes and can't see that it's burning any, at least not obviously so.

Would checking the oil separator be a good place to start?

Any other blockage points I need to check out?

I just hate to think sometime I'm going to blow a seal or something that could be prevented.

Thanks

Mike

1988 245, 224K mi, 5 speed

Hi Mike,
From what I know, the oil seperator is worth replacing as it's not easy to clean. My flame trap got completely clogged in less than a year, so I figure the oil sep tank is similar and intend replacing it with a new one from Volvo.

Hope that helps.

PS - when I last cleaned the flame trap, I also cleaned the thin pipe going from it up to the inlet, absolutely filthy inside, full of deposits!

I agree, cleaning the flame trap is vital - I do it at every oil change.
Also the pipework. Watch out for clinging debris inside the pipes, even the thicker ones. This can disintegrate and block the fine hole into the inlet manifold.
I don't think the oil separator fully separates all oil mist, particularly on an older engine that may have a bit more blow-by or be burning a bit more oil. The flame trap seems to get pretty oily too, and this gets sucked into the engine intake.

my oil accumulator was completely blocked....i was able to use a coat hanger and carb cleaner and get it emptied...around 1lb of crap came out....that lasted for about one year. Now i have a serious leak at the accumulator. I have a new one at home as well as an o-ring to replace tonight. I intend on sealing it up with some RTV when i do the job. what you may be smelling is what is happening to mine...oil leaks there at the tank...runs around the block and drips onto the down-pipes of the exhaust manifold and smokes...check there. if your cateletic converter is oily...thats prolly the issue. good luck