Hello, all.

I am a long time user of BB's FWD area (I own a '98 S70), but now have joined the ranks of RWD. I just bought a '91 240 with 112K miles on it (about half way through the break-in period, right?). The car seems to be in very good shape and runs very well. There are a few issues to which I have found answers by searching the archives such as a non-functioning heater temperature control (either cold all the way to the left or hot anywhere else). However, there is an oil leak in the car and I have not been able to find any definitive posts on. The leak is really visible in the form of fresh oil on top of the water pump housing. The previous owner claims he never had to add oil to the car until the last oil change in December. Since then the car has been leaking. I have read the posts on the flame trap, but I could not find any "how-tos" on how to check and clean/replace it. I have also found posts on missing covers at the back of the valve cover, but have not had a chance to check for that. Anyway, the leak seems to be in the FRONT of the engine, not the rear.

I would appreciate any help in investigating and repairing this oil leak. I understand some of these leaks can have detrimental effects on other parts like water pump seals, etc. I am a DIY kind in most cases, but will yield to a professional when over my head or my tools/skills level.

Thank you very much in advance.


P.S. I've been driving my sister's '92 940 these past few weeks in the Boston area and think it handles better in the snow than FWD. My S70 requires winter tires to be good in snow, the 940 makes do with all-seasons. I've driven RWD before and have practiced extensively in empty parking lots on snowy days in my youth, so fishtailing is of help to me around corners rather than hinderence. I think the whole FWD/RWD int he snow issue has been "spinned" by marketeers to promote FWD cars that are cheaper to make (bigger margins). Also helps to have a greatly underpowered RWD vehicle such as a 940 to handle well in snow :) The 240 I just bought felt "fast" comared to the 940.
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Vladimir. 1998 S70. Base, 5-speed manual.