AlCan Adventure: Not getting any Swedish love

"Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo" (akioohtori)
09/04/2019 at 11:05 • Filed to: TQ3

We’re on a boat.

Specifically, the ferry between Port Hardy and Prince Rupert. (Actually by the time I have enough service to post this, that is almost certainly not true.) Originally, I was against taking a 300 mile ferry on a road trip, but I have to say I am pretty happy with it at the moment. Not just because the scenery is stunning, though it is, but because my “wisest choice of them all” Volvo is having… issues.

Not terminal, as far as I can tell, but issues nonetheless.

The primary problem is a massive oil leak the developed when we were driving up H urricane R idge. When we stopped in traffic, Taylor noticed smoke pouring off the Sidekick. My smug sense of superiority in my Swedish sweetheart was shattered when it was then noticed I was also smoking. Apparently something had sprayed the engine and exhaust with hot 0W-40, making it look like my car was about to burst into flames. In reality, the leak was a small amount, barely registering on the dipstick, but it was a taste of things to come.

Over the next few hundred miles, I noticed a drop or two under the car, but a whole bunch on the back. Seems that oil was leaving the engine by some route while the car was driving.

Request permission to say “oh cock”.

The most likely suspect is the turbo oil return. The problem of course being I don’t know where that is. So I fashioned a makeshift inspection pit out a nearby open sewer closed pawn shop curb and got under the car. I identified what I thought was the turbo oil return line and tightened it, even though it was dry around the fitting.

I didn’t work.

We pushed on.

The oil loss was not catastrophic, probably less than a quart every 500 miles, but it appears to get worse when the car is driven hard. I’ve turned down the boost in hopes that would help, but it seems to be more of a function of engine load than anything else.

To make things more fun, the car also started idling rough when we pulled into the hotel last night. I’m pretending that was a function of being on the road for an extended period, including a lot of engine braking and uphill driving.

I know that probably isn’t it, but we live in hope.

Looking over the photos I took while I was under the car, I’ve identified a couple points of interest. Mainly, there is something that looks… well it looks like a coolant return to me. Also a suspect looking hose clamp will need to be prodded.

Ordinarily I’d consult the FSM, but the FSM for this vehicle is a software suite called VIDA that requires Windows 7 to run. I spun up a Win 7 VM before we left, but realized too late that I needed IE9 to run the software. Now I’m on a boat with no internet… so…

Cock.

Plan:

Get VIDA running one way or the other.

Also get back under the car and check out the suspect pieces and tighten what I can.

If that doesn’t work…. Well I don’t know. Probably just send it until either problem gets worse and go from there.

Wish me luck, I have a feeling I’m going to need it!

DISCUSSION (11)

Future next gen S2000 owner > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
09/04/2019 at 11:12

Just put extra oil in it. It’ll be fine....probably.

Sovande > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
09/04/2019 at 11:13

That’s a pretty well known failure point. The rubber hose will actually start to balloon as well. Try to find some silicone hose or a piece of rubber hose and get it fixed. If that hose lets go your engine will quickly follow. It’s a pain in the ass to reach, but it’s doable from underneath and above. I’d make the hose longer so you can put two clamps on each end. You should also check your crank seals as they can leak pretty well too. Pay close attention to the seal at the timing belt side of the motor. If it gives up the timing belt can get covered in oil which can lead to skipping and valves and pistons interacting.

How did you turn the boost down? If you put a manual boost controller on it, I would be careful. More boost without more timing and more fuel isn’t a great combo for your rods. I’d set the wastegate per the specs, then shorten the wastegate rod another half to full turn. This will bring the boost in sooner and make the car feel peppier. Or get a tune.

facw > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
09/04/2019 at 11:16

You can try posting on one of the Volvo forums, seems like people are often happy to pull things from VIDA/etc.

Sovande > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
09/04/2019 at 11:16

Another thing to check is the actual return line fitting. The gasket (paper) can go bad which will leak. Another very common leak is the gasket at the oil filler cap - it gets hard and oil leaks onto the head. You can pull the engine cover and see if it’s covered in oil.

Sovande > facw
09/04/2019 at 11:20

I’m not sure what VIDA or the FSM will tell him? If it’s leaking there are only so many places that the oil can come out. My guess? Slight leak at the oil return line and a bad turbo. Pull the turbo inlet pipe and reach into the turbo and feel if the cartridg e has any play. Any in-and-out play is pretty bad. There will be some side-to-side play is to be expected as the cartridge is oil lubed.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
09/04/2019 at 11:28

Ugh... Good luck!

Sovande > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
09/04/2019 at 11:44

Make sure you check the actual turbo as it will burn a lot of oil if it’s in need of a rebuild. Any in and out play is bad.

gmctavish needs more space > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
09/04/2019 at 11:44

I don’t have any helpful ideas, I’m just here to be jealous of the ferry ride through the inside passage. Some day I want to do a similar trip, and/or go to Haida Gwaii after taking the ferry to Prince Rupert.

MKULTRA1982(ConCrustyBrick) > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
09/04/2019 at 11:47

Just keep filling it with oil? On American cars this is a feature. (From others’ comments you seem to be on the right track)

vicali > gmctavish needs more space
09/04/2019 at 11:54

Have done the QCI ferry before, get a cabin and sleep, better than sleeping on the floor for 8 hours. . I guess it depends on the sailing, we did day sailing on the way over and it took forever, night sailing back was easy- peasy with a cabin.

vicali > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
09/04/2019 at 11:55

How’s the Toyota? lol