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