Blue Smoke and Smell of Oil and Petrol

[JamesT5]

Had a fab drive back from work tonight, even stopped at Aldi on the way home and as I pulled on to my drive and came to a stop, the engine was idling virtually at stalling point and then to my horror I saw blue-white smoke from the tail pipe and could smell burning oil and neat petrol. This came without warning although the car has had this choking idle issue before but recovered. It's also refused to start, once at MRP's place and several times prior to today - the car would try and start but hardly climb above stalling revs.

Anyway, I've called the AA seeing as I have garage cover but why this without warning I'm not quite sure. I've got to get to work tomorrow so I hope it's an easy fix.

So far I have checked the engine bay for oil leaks (non obvious), engine oil looks fine, no error codes (especially looking for mis-fire errors on the cylinders). I could do a cylinder compression test and take the spark plugs out but the AA are on their way so I'll let them do that seeing I pay for the privilege.

Bit worried here I've got to be honest but I'll keep you all posted. Anyone else had this issue?

p.s. I have got some video footage that I'll try and upload. :scared: :shifty:

[Harvey]

Not sounding good,could be turbo have a look at the boost pipes for oil,is the water level ok ?.
If there is a lot of oil getting into the cylinders that will stop the plugs working so the petrol can't get burnt. Just hope it's not to bad good luck.

[JamesT5]

My instinct is valve stem seal or knackered con rod.

[soothingduck]

Maybe it's because you have all these black bushes in your car. At the end of the day bushes are there to take the vibrations away from the people/equipment/electronics and the torque away fixing points otherwise the mountings flex and in the end snap. But also equipment that as not been designed to take vibration. I think you will kill your car very soon (shaken car syndrome) very nut and bolt/mounting/fixing/weld/sheet metal/microchip/solder joint/glass that is after the bushes will start to fail and fail very fast as none of it was designed to survive under these conditions. Please don't take this the wrong way as I don't wish to provoke you in anyway, it's just how I see it.

[JamesT5]

Maybe it's because you have all these black bushes in your car. At the end of the day bushes are there to take the vibrations away from the people/equipment/electronics and the torque away fixing points otherwise the mountings flex and in the end snap. But also equipment that as not been designed to take vibration. I think you will kill your car very soon (shaken car syndrome) very nut and bolt/mounting/fixing/weld/sheet metal/microchip/solder joint/glass that is after the bushes will start to fail and fail very fast as none of it was designed to survive under these conditions. Please don't take this the wrong way as I don't wish to provoke you in anyway, it's just how I see it.

The black bushes aren't that hard, honestly! I seriously doubt some Polyurethane suspension bushes would cause this.

[claymore]

My instinct is valve stem seal or knackered con rod.
Stem seals usually only smoke first thing in the morning as oil had drained into the cylinders over night,

[soothingduck]

Yeah its not seals and I doubt its con-rod because it would be knocking like billy oh

[jdavis]

Turbo failure

[soothingduck]

Turbo failure

Yeah could be

[LiamT4]

Have you checked the oil and the water?

[timbo]

Compression test and a sniff test of the coolant?? Has performance been down recently? ?headgasket?

[claymore]

I would be suspecting turbo :(

[LiamT4]

If its the turbo, how does that affect the idle?

[claymore]

It could be sucking in oil

[M-R-P]

Dead coil pack... Or two?

[silverhorse]

Hate to say it mate, but does not sound too good. Could be a few things, but they all have the ability to seriously lighten your wallet. Car engines are not designed to burn oil, so when they do there is something amiss.
Bloody hell James, I hope this is something simple. (and cheap!!!)

[JamesT5]

The AA have been out and I went through the possible causes with the patrol man. We removed the coil packs and spark plugs and they were all fine, no oil and no signs of any issues there. Tried adding some petrol just to rule out that as a very remote possibility and the car just seemed to 'choke' as it tried turning over, again a strong smell of petrol. The patrol man seemed to think that the smell of oil wasn't oil at all because there was no sign of it on the spark plugs or anywhere, he seemed to think what I smelled was actually petrol fumes and that what I have is a failure of the Turbo (as suspected by some of you above as well!) He also said the oil looks nice and clean and there was no issues with water levels either or any oil in the water for example.

The AA are sending out another patrol in the morning for a "second opinion" but it's looking increasingly likely I'll be shopping for a second hand turbo very shortly.

To turn a good in to a bad, is it worth me trying to get a bigger turbo here and killing two birds with one stone (i.e. more power potential)? I know there's different numbers like 16, 18 19 but I'm not sure I understand the system there and what's compatible and what will fit straight on. I'll be on a tight budget!

I'll organise the videos of the car earlier just after the problem started, I'll post them up as soon as I can. Got to phone work now and tell them I won't in, in the morning. Another days wages lost! :mad:

[graemewelch]

I hate to say it but poor oil choiced in the past will of done both engine and turbo no good what so ever. If its the turbo it will be easy to spot. Compression test would be the 2nd thing id do. 1st being checking turbo for play and oil.on the exhaust side

[JamesT5]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJdqnfMldNE&feature=youtu.be

Make up your own minds about this....

[Volvostorm]

When you turn the ingition on, can you hear the fuel pump?

Mine sounds like that when the fuel pump died, or I've forgotten to turn it on!

[JamesT5]

When you turn the ingition on, can you hear the fuel pump?

Mine sounds like that when the fuel pump died, or I've forgotten to turn it on!

I'm open to options.

[stephenevans99]

This couldn't have been caused by that oil you were running on for a short period earlier this year? Fingers crossed it's something not too costly.

[MoleT-5R]

You sure all the boost hoses are ok, no major leaks, as this will make it ruff as hell at idle and beyond, scared the hell out of me when I unknowingly popped a lower boost hose on the V790R, trying to reverse up a bank by the house,it idled as rough as a badgers a#se and terrible to rev, smoked a bit too. I was lucky as all I had to fix was a broken jubilee clip

[graemewelch]

Watched the clip and i fail to see why it wont start if the turbo is goosed. Needs a compression test. Are you getting spark. Are the injectors opening. Is there fuel in the car. Has the car lost any power sudenly or gradually. Get the compression checked. Hopfully you wont of killed the bored with poor decisions in the past.

[Volvostorm]

Watched the clip and i fail to see why it wont start if the turbo is goosed. Needs a compression test. Are you getting spark. Are the injectors opening. Is there fuel in the car. Has the car lost any power sudenly or gradually. Get the compression checked. Hopfully you wont of killed the bored with poor decisions in the past.

That is my feeling too, my mate has a focus in his garage at the moment, it has got a failing turbo, it run, but makes one hell on a racket!

The AA says it has spark, should like fuel to me, my fuel pump on mine just went, drove it home fine, came to it the next day, would not start!

On the 850's (No idea about the P2s) you can easily get the pump out, we tapped it, and it started working, was fine for 2 days, then did it again, changed the pump, been fine even since. :)

[JamesT5]

You sure all the boost hoses are ok, no major leaks, as this will make it ruff as hell at idle and beyond, scared the hell out of me when I unknowingly popped a lower boost hose on the V790R, trying to reverse up a bank by the house,it idled as rough as a badgers a#se and terrible to rev, smoked a bit too. I was lucky as all I had to fix was a broken jubilee clip

I've had boost hoses pop off before and this seems different somehow, I will double check though Adrian, thanks.

[JamesT5]

This couldn't have been caused by that oil you were running on for a short period earlier this year? Fingers crossed it's something not too costly.

I doubt it very much.

[JamesT5]

That is my feeling too, my mate has a focus in his garage at the moment, it has got a failing turbo, it run, but makes one hell on a racket!

The AA says it has spark, should like fuel to me, my fuel pump on mine just went, drove it home fine, came to it the next day, would not start!

On the 850's (No idea about the P2s) you can easily get the pump out, we tapped it, and it started working, was fine for 2 days, then did it again, changed the pump, been fine even since. :)

Never seen smoke from the exhaust from a fueling problem before but your theory would be logical on the non-starting side of the issue.

[JamesT5]

Watched the clip and i fail to see why it wont start if the turbo is goosed. Needs a compression test. Are you getting spark. Are the injectors opening. Is there fuel in the car. Has the car lost any power sudenly or gradually. Get the compression checked. Hopfully you wont of killed the bored with poor decisions in the past.

I've got a compression test kit but the second AA patrol are coming out this morning to do the 'second opinion' and to organise me a hire car and recovery. I'm planning on getting taken to BVS again as they did such a good job on the rectification of my clutch and gearbox problem.

[M-R-P]

Is this the same this it did when you were at mine James?

If so, it's not the turbo as it ran fine when it finally started. I'd be looking at the ignition system (remember the trouble you had with the coil pack wiring) or the ETM.

[JamesT5]

Is this the same this it did when you were at mine James?

If so, it's not the turbo as it ran fine when it finally started. I'd be looking at the ignition system (remember the trouble you had with the coil pack wiring) or the ETM.

Yes that's the time Martin, yes.

Interestingly, coming back to Paul's theory about the fuel pump, the patrol man tried to release fuel pressure from the fuel rail and nothing came out so as a precaution we went out and got some petrol (about a gallon) and plonked some in the tank and it still wouldn't start.

I'm going out to do some inspections of my own this morning before the AA arrive to see if will help narrow down the issue.

One of my senior bosses at work really wasn't happy that I've had to take the day off work today and really couldn't work out why a trip of 32 miles from my place in the Brecon Beacons to my place of work near Cwmbran wasn't possible on public transport at 5am on a Sunday morning. Anyway, sorry just a little rant on the end there.

[ExternalError]

No fuel pressure even after petrol tat sounds like the fuel pump then hopefully thats it as its a fairly cheap fix

[M-R-P]

Fuel pump... Hmmmmm

[JamesT5]

I went with Paul's theory with the fuel pump. I banged the fuel pump and got my other half to sit in the drivers seat and asked her to start the engine. It spluttered and started and then I got this....... :yikes: :jaw:

I managed to get the induction filter to 'gasp' so I think we can rule out the turbo and there's no nasty knocking sounds from the engine bay, the mystery deepens....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnIAY4wdjA8&feature=youtu.be

[JamesT5]

I wonder if Shell put the wrong fuel in their pumps! I always make sure I pick up the Shell V-Power Nitro+ and my receipts and Shell Reward card will verify that. I wonder if there is actually diesel in the tank somewhere, just a theory!

[JUDGENINJA]

Turbo best case..... Engine screwed at worst..

[M-R-P]

Isn't that just unburnt fuel smoking off from the cat? If the cat was saturated with petrol, wouldn't it smoke like that?
What's it smell like?

[Sharkey R]

When I used to work in a local supermarkets fuel station we had a customer come in to fill up in a 740. She unwittingly filled it up with diesel and then started the engine, within 30 seconds the whole garage was full of smoke. I'd be very surprised if that's what's happened due to the fact that the smoke that she kicked out that day was very thick and a hell of a lot of it.

[JamesT5]

The AA Patrolman took a sample of the fuel out of the fuel rail and matched it to the stuff in his jerry can and it looked and smelt identical. Mis-fueling scenario highly unlikely. But as we took it out to the Petrol station just to rule out a fuel based issue, the car got about 20 yards down the drive and there was more smoke, this time with a strong smell of burning oil!

He's convinced a seal has gone in the Turbo so I've had it carted off to the Volvo Specialist again and I'll phone them tomorrow to arrange for the inspection and repair. I should be covered on my garage repair cover but either way a big bill is coming my way, the AA will only pay out on a recon or new turbo so a secondhand one is not an option at the moment. He did comment on how clean my oil was and the engine (I quote) "sounded nice and sweet".

At least if it is the turbo and I have to have recon fitted, I should get my boost issues sorted. I wonder if that's been my 'power' issue for quite a while! I'll keep you all updated when I know more but I'm due back in work tomorrow so I'll update when I can.

[LeeT5]

I hate to say it James, but in your second video the engine was clearly misfiring....you could hear it in the exhaust note! That was not running smooth.
White smoke generally indicates water/coolant being burned in combustion chamber. It's not very clear in your video but it also looks blue in places....this would indicate burning oil.
So, based on those only two conclusions, either your Turbo is bust or your headgasket is leaking.
If your coolant level has not altered and your not getting any rapid build up of pressure in the expansion bottle, then my moneys on it being your Turbo.
The reason why your car wouldn't start in your first video, may have been because of a lack of compression or spark plugs wet with fuel, borewashing the cylinders and therefore preventing the car from starting.
If you tapped the fuel pump and the car then started, then your are super unlucky, because a worn faulty fuel pump won't cause excessive white/blue smoke - therefore, you could be looking at a replacement pump also, as well as a possible Turbo failure. 2 faults in one day!!! :( that sucks!
I gotta ask you, what's the mileage on your car?
If you have to replace both then is it seriously worth spending all that money?
Fuel pump will be at a guess £200 and I advise you don't buy second hand one. Golden rule is never buy anything electrical, second hand. New turbo is £600 + fitting. Your looking at a bill of near to or just over £1000 and that's assuming the AA pay out!
You have to get authorisation first, they could also send out a loss adjuster who will want to see proof of servicing.
Don't just assume that the AA are going to cover the cost of this one, after all, you only made a recent claim not long ago and will only cover you up to £465.

[JamesT5]

Lee....

The AA will pay up to 5 claims in a policy year under the BRC.

The car has gone to a Volvo Specialist with Volvo timed served technicians, I'll await their verdict before making any final conclusions.

[LeeT5]

Lee....

The AA will pay up to 5 claims in a policy year under the BRC.

The car has gone to a Volvo Specialist with Volvo timed served technicians, I'll await their verdict before making any final conclusions.

I know that james but that doesn't mean they will actually pay out!!

If you read your terms and conditions booklet that came with your BRC you will also find it says.....and I quote....

BRC will not cover (Page 2.): garage labour costs exceeding £85 per hour, excluding VAT (So I hope the garage give you a discount on the labour rate)
: Failure of parts due to wear and tear.

This is why I said, do not assume they will pay you out the £465. If they send out a loss adjuster (and they do!) hope he says it's not wear and tear. The AA reserve the right to refuse your claim.

The correct terminology is ......You can make up to 5 claims in any 12 month period if you have nominated a single vehicle, increased up to 6 claims in any 12 month period if you have nominated more than one vehicle. Max is 4 vehicles.

Read step 5, page 4!!

It also says.....Page 8, (under What is not covered)....
4. Any vehicle that has been modified from the manufacturer's standard specification.

If an independent engineer inspects your vehicle and finds and mods (especially relating to the turbo) that could be all he needs to refuse the claim.

I know your probably pi@sed off right now and I'm not trying to hack you off, just saying that I would not just assume that your automatically covered, cos your not!
If you expect the worse case scenario then if the AA pay out then it can only be a good thing and a right result! that way, you won't be too disheartened. :wink:

[JamesT5]

I know that james but that doesn't mean they will actually pay out!!

If you read your terms and conditions booklet that came with your BRC you will also find it says.....and I quote....

BRC will not cover (Page 2.): garage labour costs exceeding £85 per hour, excluding VAT (So I hope the garage give you a discount on the labour rate)
: Failure of parts due to wear and tear.

This is why I said, do not assume they will pay you out the £465. If they send out a loss adjuster (and they do!) hope he says it's not wear and tear. The AA reserve the right to refuse your claim.

The correct terminology is ......You can make up to 5 claims in any 12 month period if you have nominated a single vehicle, increased up to 6 claims in any 12 month period if you have nominated more than one vehicle. Max is 4 vehicles.

Read step 5, page 4!!

It also says.....Page 8, (under What is not covered)....
4. Any vehicle that has been modified from the manufacturer's standard specification.

If an independent engineer inspects your vehicle and finds and mods (especially relating to the turbo) that could be all he needs to refuse the claim.

I know your probably pi@sed off right now and I'm not trying to hack you off, just saying that I would not just assume that your automatically covered, cos your not!
If you expect the worse case scenario then if the AA pay out then it can only be a good thing and a right result! that way, you won't be too disheartened. :wink:

I'll let the people with the cheque book make the decision.

[MIKESC70T5]

I hate to say it but poor oil choiced in the past will of done both engine and turbo no good what so ever


This couldn't have been caused by that oil you were running on for a short period earlier this year?



I agree,

[merc85]

yeah as above :(

[claymore]

It was only time before that oil debacle came back to bite you on the arse.

[JamesT5]

It was only time before that oil debacle came back to bite you on the arse.

I honestly think this is just an honest part failure, nothing to do with the oil.

[AndysR]

Looks like an internal engine fault to me rather than a turbo fault, I'm going with a headgasket failure as most likely cause, if that is the failure the oil wouldn't have played a part in its failure.... Be interesting to see what the specialist finds..

[volvokid]

Its going to be one of these things James that because people told you for ages about the oil they will have a told you so moment, but will you ever manage to prove it wasn't? Like you say it might have always have happened but you won't probably know that for sure.

[M-R-P]

I'm gonna go out on a limb and say I'm pretty sure it's not the turbo or the head gasket.

When it did this before, it went away and ran fine after a few turns of the key. I believe it to be an electrical fault of some kind and not mechanical.

[V70 Graham]

....I believe it to be an electrical fault of some kind and not mechanical.

Just wondering what kind of electrical fault could produce such an amount of smoke ?

[claymore]

This is a blown turbo, does it look familiar ?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2yTLaW-zH4

[graemewelch]

This is a blown turbo, does it look familiar ?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2yTLaW-zH4


But the car in the link runs. James car dosnt.

[silverhorse]

Just wondering what kind of electrical fault could produce such an amount of smoke ?

Agreed. Oil is getting somewhere it shouldn't, so surely something mechanical is amiss. On the plus side James, your wheel looks nice and shiny in the vid!!

[MIKESC70T5]

I'm in a wind up mood tonight lol, I suggest he scraps it and buy Frankie's 850r as it's ultra reliable and he only wants £4300 for it :buttkick:

[graemewelch]

I'm in a wind up mood tonight lol, I suggest he scraps it and buy Frankie's 850r as it's ultra reliable and he only wants £4300 for it :buttkick:


im biting my tong tonight :uglyhamme

[MIKESC70T5]

im biting my tong tonight :uglyhamme

Go on live dangerously, what's the worse that can happen, Frankie only hates me lol.

[M-R-P]

Well the smoke is a new one but the way it's running, being the same as I saw it before, says it's ignition/fuel pump/throttle.
The smoke being oil? Honestly, I dunno - isn't oil smoke blue? A knackered turbo doesn't usually just happen, it's a progressive thing that develops over time rather than just going like that.

[LeeT5]

Well the smoke is a new one but the way it's running, being the same as I saw it before, says it's ignition/fuel pump/throttle.
The smoke being oil? Honestly, I dunno - isn't oil smoke blue? A knackered turbo doesn't usually just happen, it's a progressive thing that develops over time rather than just going like that.

Ohh yes they do! I've seen plenty of Turbos let go and a few of them have been on the motorway. Last time I seen one was on a Vauxhall Zafira. On the M25 about 100m in front of me doing about 70. All of a sudden....plumes of white smoke billowed across the motorway and bought the whole M25 to a stop. In this case it was a complete Turbo failure, not only that, it started drinking engine oil and the engine run away. Bloke didn't know what to do, whilst he frantically got all his family out the car and on the hard shoulder, I slipped onto the Hard shoulder and parked behind him then jumped in and stalled it in 3rd gear. Bloke thought it was on fire cos there was that much smoke.

[merc85]

Had a Turbo instantly go a Berlingo 1.6 hdi, but they are comman for it lol

[graemewelch]

Ohh yes they do! I've seen plenty of Turbos let go and a few of them have been on the motorway. Last time I seen one was on a Vauxhall Zafira. On the M25 about 100m in front of me doing about 70. All of a sudden....plumes of white smoke billowed across the motorway and bought the whole M25 to a stop. In this case it was a complete Turbo failure, not only that, it started drinking engine oil and the engine run away. Bloke didn't know what to do, whilst he frantically got all his family out the car and on the hard shoulder, I slipped onto the Hard shoulder and parked behind him then jumped in and stalled it in 3rd gear. Bloke thought it was on fire cos there was that much smoke.


Ive seen this happen a lot. Very common on diesel engines.

[JamesT5]

When they go on a diesel it's not uncommon for the engine to go in to a runaway mode and it will rev until the engine blows up. Thankfully on a Petrol this doesn't happen because the mechanics of how the engine works.

[JamesT5]

No news from the garage yet, it will be looked at as soon as possible but I spoke to them this morning.

[graemewelch]

James if enough oil gets oil in the cylinder itll combust like a diesel and run on its own oil. Dont be gulable by thinking it wont. It dose happen

[AndysR]

James if enough oil gets oil in the cylinder itll combust like a diesel and run on its own oil. Dont be gulable by thinking it wont. It dose happen

The good thing about that, from a petrol engines point of view, is the compression ratio isn't high enough on a petrol for it to run on like a diesel would, that's the difference between compression combustion and ignition combustion.

[graemewelch]

The good thing about that, from a petrol engines point of view, is the compression ratio isn't high enough on a petrol for it to run on like a diesel would, that's the difference between compression combustion and ignition combustion.


its not as common for it to happen but if theres enough oil in the cylinder itll raise the compression enough for it to combust. it dosnt take as much oil as youd think. it happened on a mates car years ago. cant remember what it was now.

[M-R-P]

Had a Turbo instantly go a Berlingo 1.6 hdi, but they are comman for it lol

But how many 16t units on volvos just let go like that?

[claymore]

But how many 16t units on volvos just let go like that?
How many have been run for months with the wrong oil?

[JamesT5]

The garage have informed me that it's either the turbo or the engine. Well hello? I could have told them that! I've authorised them to do a strip down and investigation to rule out one or the other for sure, about 4 hours labour in total but at least it will put the pin on the map for sure.

I'll hopefully have some sort of diagnosis tomorrow.

[JamesT5]

How many have been run for months with the wrong oil?

I really don't think the oil has made that much difference but I will ask the specialist for their opinion.

[JamesT5]

By the way, on a footnote I will say that I'm sooooo missing the T5 right now, the Hyundai i20 I've got from Enterprise is a 14 plate car with 4000K miles on the clock but I'd rather have my 13 year old T5 back. It's not until you have to make do without it that you appreciate how nice it is as a car. Withdrawal symptoms the last few days have been horrible..... :doctor: :sick:

[Harvey]

Just hope it's the turbo and not the engine ,hope it's not to painful on the wallet.

[graemewelch]

A compression test and undo 3 bolts on the down will tell you most of whats needed to diagnose. My money is on the engine being gone. Whilst i watched the cranking vid my first thoughts were low compression. It just seemed to be cranking a little to fast.

[stribo]

The fact it's got a misfire as well as the smoke would lead me to the engine, the turbo on the cabbie's gone, but it runs normally at idle, just blows out loads of smoke. Hope everything's covered James, and you'll get the engine replaced by the very nice man, but to be honest, I can't see them stumping up for a new engine. It might be time to let the old girl go, she's had a long life, and done well, even with your misguided attempts to keep her going, maybe it's time to lay her to rest.

[960kg]

I'm open to options.

I had the same with the engine sounding as though no compression when my battery failed on my `98 T4!......it had flooded because these modern sensor reliant engines need so much electric my low battery would not fire it up so it flooded.

The reason you smell fuel is because the engine will not start and so has flooded maybe because of a spark malfunction or the turbo is blasting some oil under pressure into the inlet side.

The reason the engine turns over quickish and sounds weak or no sign of compression is because the fuel flooding has washed the bores of oil and therefore has resulted in No compression!.....or not even enough for it to fire....

After your enjoyable last run the overheated turbo may of finally fried solid any mineral oil in its supply pipe as it was fried in the pipes when you used that particular oil.......the fast run may of dislodged the fried oil but before it did also fried the oil seals within the turbo badly hence the heavy smoke and a misfire sound as it should only burn petrol!...... and not a supply of thick oil and petrol.

So to me looks like turbo and a lot of oil also in the intercooler!


Just my "I`m open to options" offer.

[JamesT5]

I've spoken to Bridgend Volvo Specialists (BVS) this afternoon and they're a really knowledgeable bunch, the guy I spoke to has 20 years experience in Volvo Main Dealer or Volvo Specialist environments and he told me this...

He told me that my car actually seems quicker and more powerful than a stock standard T5 (honestly, for real now!), out of all of the cars he's driven from this era he was seriously considering whether my car had been mapped to which I replied ,"not to my knowledge". He said it pulls better and seems more powerful than it should and was surprised when I told him it hadn't been remapped or "chipped" as he put it.

The Turbo has been removed and split in to two parts for inspection, he said that there is an oil seal worn inside but not enough to cause the level of smoke seen from the tail pipe, there is "some wear" to the shaft in the turbo but nothing too drastic that would cause the oil burning problem. This seal in the turbo will be replaced (might as well it's in bits on a workshop bench).

He continued by stating that there is a smell of petrol in the oil which means that petrol is finding its way down from the injectors, down the cylinder and in to the oil and that it could be related to the piston rings, this sort of issue he has seen very infrequently and when he has it's usually on cars that have been mapped! Tomorrow an inspection camera will be placed in the engine and an internal inspection will be carried out to determine what issue there is within the engine itself, after that he'll be able to give me a much better idea of the problem but it sounds like some piston slap has been occurring. Either way this will be a big bill.

I'll update you all tomorrow when I have more news.

[Harvey]

They haven't done a compression test yet ?.

[graemewelch]

Sounds like they are running the bill up to me. A compression test on day one would confirmed its rings. The aa for sure wont pay out if its rings as its wear and tear or most likly the result of somthing you dont want to hear or listen to. I wouldnt expect the rings to let go over night.

[graemewelch]

They haven't done a compression test yet ?.

Beat me to it. Course they havnt. Its only 30 mins labour for a compression test. Prob 5 hrs labour for whats theyve done do far. So over 300 quid to be told we dont have a clue but we screwed the knackers off your car.

[1112lewis]

Just hope they are not fobbing you off james, I have had a couple of cars with similar issues and the first thing they told me they did was a compression test, would hate to think they are stripping the car down for the sake of it.

[M-R-P]

Interesting that they said they think it's been mapped. When the injectors were done, it went well but nowhere near the level of a mapped car. If it's suddenly gotten faster, I'd suspect a problem with the tcv, actuator or related pipwork.

[soothingduck]

Beat me to it. Course they havnt. Its only 30 mins labour for a compression test. Prob 5 hrs labour for whats theyve done do far. So over 300 quid to be told we dont have a clue but we screwed the knackers off your car.

:uglyhamme :rally_dri

[MoleT-5R]

Just catching up here, I've watched the vid and the last time I saw lots of white smoke like that ,was on a Rover 2.6 SD1 when the cam belt let go, I was thinking whether James's cam belt has jumped a tooth or two and a valve has holed a piston (given he mentioned piston slap) allowing the oil to get by in large enough volume for white smoke and also explain the petrol smelling oil, honestly think cheapest option would have new/recon/second hand engine straight away and save on the diagnosis costs, just a thought

[960kg]

Also to add i don`t understand how the garage bloke think s the car is so quick it thought it was mapped ....yet the rings are screwed!.......to me simply opposite quotations!

Has anyone thought that the FPR or similar may of gone titsup and that is the cause of over fuelling enough to wash the bores of oil and replacing with raw fuel??

We need to know the fuel consumption at the moment!

Not a very clever garage man......

[claymore]

worn rings aren't going to chuck smoke like that out, a broken ring might though

[stribo]

Interesting that they said they think it's been mapped. When the injectors were done, it went well but nowhere near the level of a mapped car. If it's suddenly gotten faster, I'd suspect a problem with the tcv, actuator or related pipwork.

They go quickest just before they die, probably as internal clearances are so large friction is greatly reduced, the resulting failure is quite spectacular.

[Jimmie]

They haven't done a compression test yet ?.

I would have thought a compression check would have been one of the first things any competent mechanic would have done

[960kg]

Volvo cured the piston slap saga in the early `90`s as my 2litre turbo 940 used shorter pistons with No oil squirters at the base of each cylinder.

Now, the design of pistons is different and also every turbo engine has these squirters....so again i think the garage man is trying to blind one with science...

[MIKESC70T5]

Garages can smell a gullible customer a mile off so there milking him for every penny.

[Harvey]

Has the garage removed all the plugs yet to see if there is any damage to any of them.

Found this guide that might be worth taking to the garage and ask why the didn't do what they should have done first.

The workshop tech should know better.

http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=how%20to%20test%20for%20a%20blown%20engine&source=web&cd=3&ved=0CBEQFjAC&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ehow.com%2Fhow_7676206_check-blown-engine.html&ei=N6RiU7jvD-e40QWlyoCoAQ&usg=AFQjCNEWaqaQMalVgiXPK1aNbPtfTVHyhQ

[stribo]

Garages can smell a gullible customer a mile off so there milking him for every penny.

Hmmm, this is a tricky one, because although James has been told by many people, many times he's doing the wrong thing, and even though he's generally ignored the advice he's been given, he's still either got a huge bill to pay to get the Volvo sorted, or got to find the money for another car. That's not a situation I'd want to be in, so although James bashing would be easy right now, I hope he can get some sort of decent resolution to his current dilemma, and then either LISTEN TO ADVICE, AND TAKE IT ON BOARD, OR STOP WORKING ON HIS CAR HIMSELF. (yes the caps were intentional)

[t5 pete]

Hmmm, this is a tricky one, because although James has been told by many people, many times he's doing the wrong thing, and even though he's generally ignored the advice he's been given, he's still either got a huge bill to pay to get the Volvo sorted, or got to find the money for another car. That's not a situation I'd want to be in, so although James bashing would be easy right now, I hope he can get some sort of decent resolution to his current dilemma, and then either LISTEN TO ADVICE, AND TAKE IT ON BOARD, OR STOP WORKING ON HIS CAR HIMSELF. (yes the caps were intentional)

Nail on head my southern friend

[pillapow]

Compression test - Remove head & Turbo, inspect..

If its knackered, its knackered, you should of pulled it apart yourself.

Never go to a garage for mechanical failure.

££££ - Hope you get it sorted mate.

[pillapow]

Listening to the video, when your turning it over, there is a sort of noise, like a reluctancy to turn, at certain points of the engine rotation (if you know what i mean) they are consistent, It sounds like engine failure to me, how, i dont know, but the clue is in the engine cranking noise.

[V70 Graham]

I just hope James can get this sorted one way or the other.....cheap as poss would be good.

[JamesT5]

Right, here's the deal.....

An engine and turbo dismantle is not (as suggested above) something I can do at home, it has to go to a garage. Both AA Patrol men and myself smelled petrol in the oil, that therefore I know is correct.

I asked the garage to strip the car down so I could get a pin firmly on the map and there's no mucking about with guessing games or "it might be this or it might be that". A compression test is one thing, a strip down and internal inspection reveals a whole lot more.

I'm going to see this through to whatever conclusion I deem necessary and by whatever means I personally judge suitable and I will comment on the conclusion of this once it's done. At the moment I just seem to be getting criticised left, right and centre. I notice that others on here have had quite major engine issues and haven't attracted anywhere near as much flack for it, I don't see why this situation should be any different - at the end of the day an engine problem is a bloody engine problem and that's the bottom line.

I'll post more when a solution is underway rather debate the rights and wrongs of the diagnostics stage.

[Sperm1980]

Hi James,

I love reading your threads, better than eastenders with all the comments etc.

As for the car, it would have been good to get a whiff of the smoke from the exhaust. You can tell alot from wether its trying to burn coolant, fuel or oil.

As MRP said, it did it before and then cleared, so maybe an intermittant turbo actuation or fuelling fault which may have killed it.

Either way, its at the garage now being stripped, but if i'm honest, I would throw in the towel now. The costs incurred in a strip down, diagnosis and repair will get you a another pretty good T5 in my opinion.

Just my opinion if I were in your shoes!

Cheers

Paul

[jamesy12345]

It's only a car :) hope you get it sorted one way or another - either in the bin or fixed

[MIKESC70T5]

Before this latest mishap, what do people think this car is worth if it was up for sale, the mileage is around 180,000 isn't it?

[M-R-P]

260k mate

[claymore]

Before this latest mishap, what do people think this car is worth if it was up for sale, the mileage is around 180,000 isn't it?

I would say £900 on a good day

[Jimmie]

One thing for sure James is not a Volvo breaker.As he says he’s going to see this through to the end.
Why would you scrap a vehicle if it only needs an engine ?
In the end of the day it's his money to do as he wishes!
Nobody on here is going to be able to take there money with them are they?

[claymore]

One thing for sure James is not a Volvo breaker.As he says he’s going to see this through to the end.
Why would you scrap a vehicle if it only needs an engine ?
In the end of the day it's his money to do as he wishes!
Nobody on here is going to be able to take there money with them are they?
The problem is, James has spent thousands of pounds keeping this car on the road, he should have got out of this car when the clutch went on it.

[Jimmie]

The problem is, James has spent thousands of pounds keeping this car on the road, he should have got out of this car when the clutch went on it.

Well I don't broadcast what I spend on my vehicles that's maybe the difference between us !!

[M-R-P]

The problem is, James has spent thousands of pounds keeping this car on the road, he should have got out of this car when the clutch went on it.

Same problem I have with mine, although mine's more the effort gone in to it rather than the £4k+ it's cost. You get to a point when it owes you too much to scrap it.

He's got £2k of parts there if he decides to break it but I can't see that happening.
So, I totally agree that a compression test should have been the first port of call and scouting about for a new engine in the mean time, just in case.

[V70 Graham]

We all spend lots on our cars, my clutch went and I've had a few bills, nothing that would make me scrap the car though.

[M-R-P]

We all spend lots on our cars, my clutch went and I've had a few bills, nothing that would make me scrap the car though.

But yours is low mileage, well cared for and in excellent condition.

Cars like mine and James' are barely worth more than their insurance bill.

[silverhorse]

Cars like mine and James' are barely worth more than their insurance bill.

Bloody Hell! How much is your insurance?? I pay £420 for 2 T5's, a Shogun and a motorbike, all fully comp! But that's another thread.....

[M-R-P]

Bloody Hell! How much is your insurance?? I pay £420 for 2 T5's, a Shogun and a motorbike, all fully comp! But that's another thread.....

On the open market, you'd struggle to get more than £500 for a 12 year old, 200+k mile car that's £280 a year to tax, group 16E to insure and does 20mpg around town at best.

[volvokid]

Anyway how does the garage know how fast your car is??? I thought it wasn't running...

[ExternalError]

Anyway how does the garage know how fast your car is??? I thought it wasn't running...

I did wonder that but I guessed he was talking about when he drove it the last time when he did the clutch

[Harvey]

So, I totally agree that a compression test should have been the first port of call and scouting about for a new engine in the mean time, just in case.
Compression test should've been done first and then if something came up a leak down test should been carried out afterwards.
Just hope there's a bit of good news soon.

[partsforvolvos.com]

Interesting that they said they think it's been mapped. When the injectors were done, it went well but nowhere near the level of a mapped car. If it's suddenly gotten faster, I'd suspect a problem with the tcv, actuator or related pipwork.

i have known quite a few volvo petrol turbo cars that went faster just before the turbo failed and in fact customers commented seemed slower afterwards.
personally, I put this down to wear in the actuator shaft assemblies allowing more boost than is normal.

I hope you obtain enough info from the investigation to make a sensible decision about the car james, but my advice given the mileage is to treat the engine as a whole unit. - I personally would not choose to do any internal repairs if the engine is at fault as other parts you don't replace will be considerably worn, and you can probably pick up another unit with half your mileage reasonably easily.

I replaced my T4 engine because although we found only 1 rod was bent(and not badly ), at 140k there was wear in the head components inc cams.

its a difficult decision to walk away from a car or not, and when you look at how much everybody spends on their car, mods or otherwise I bet the vast majority on vpcuk would be in the same situation overall - have already spent more than the resale value of their car.

[JamesT5]

Right, here's the first 'fix' option underway....

First of all a compression test had been carried out by the Specialist, all cylinders pressures were ok and pretty much even (in other words nothing to worry about there).

I've discussed the options with the specialist and at the moment the service manager informs me they've spent about 2 - 3 hours labour on the car in total given that it's been an ad-hoc job as it wasn't booked in.

The engine has not been dismantled, they haven't done that yet and what I've agreed with them is that they will replace the seals in the turbo and refit it, then we'll see if there's any need for further examination. The car has been described as 'lumpy' at idle but drives well enough on the road, it just smokes like a chimney and is burning oil (I know it's burning oil because I smelled it and so did both AA men).

If, after refitting the turbo, it still smokes then that will warrant taking the head off the engine for an internal inspection but until then I reserve judgement. The car might be on the road by next weekend but no promises.

[pillapow]

I put my money on the problem being inside the head.

[JamesT5]

I put my money on the problem being inside the head.

Yes, you could well be right but I want to start at the simple end first and then eliminate that before moving on any further.

[M-R-P]

Regardless if it's the problem, having a 260k turbo rebuilt can't be a bad thing.

[Harvey]

First of all a compression test had been carried out by the Specialist, all cylinders pressures were ok and pretty much even (in other words nothing to worry about there).
.

That's good news to hear.

I did have a big smoke problem with my S60 which turned out to be the firetrap drain to sump was blocked or only just.
So what happened the trap filled with engine oil to the point the oil then went through the pct nipple into the turbo inlet.

[JamesT5]

I'm actually feeling pretty chilled out about this to be honest, I always know that there is a solution to a problem with the car, unless it has been 'totaled' in an accident, only then would I accept defeat! At worst I would 'retire' this car to occasional use and get a new daily runner.

At the moment, this week I have from the hire company a 2 litre CRTDi 160bhp Vauxhall Insginia on a 13 plate, lovely 'big wagon' feel and I like the spacious feel of it and the road presence, but I just can't beat the Volvo for comfort and handling.

[V70 Graham]

I put my money on the problem being inside the head.

The cars.....or James's (I'm just kidding)

[LiamT4]

Some people just get attached to their cars, so that they don't mind throwing cash at it, i don't see why it should bother anyone else. Anyone on here that is moddifing "just an old volvo" is doing exactly the same.

Why spend thousands on a car that is worth 2k, rebuilding the engine, bigger turbo, brakes, suspension, etc, when you could just buy a newer/faster car to begin with? Because thats what some people like to do and i can't see a problem with that.

[Harvey]

Some people just get attached to their cars, so that they don't mind throwing cash at it, i don't see why it should bother anyone else. Anyone on here that is moddifing "just an old volvo" is doing exactly the same.

Why spend thousands on a car that is worth 2k, rebuilding the engine, bigger turbo, brakes, suspension, etc, when you could just buy a newer/faster car to begin with? Because thats what some people like to do and i can't see a problem with that.

Very true.

[JamesT5]

Some people just get attached to their cars, so that they don't mind throwing cash at it, i don't see why it should bother anyone else. Anyone on here that is moddifing "just an old volvo" is doing exactly the same.

Why spend thousands on a car that is worth 2k, rebuilding the engine, bigger turbo, brakes, suspension, etc, when you could just buy a newer/faster car to begin with? Because thats what some people like to do and i can't see a problem with that.

Yes, it's interesting because you've actually highlighted something I've tried pointing out before. People will spend 1000's and 1000's modding their cars rather than just buying a more expensive and faster one.

Why do they do this? Well 2 reasons;

1) They can't afford a faster car in one dollop so they buy a cheaper one and do it up a bit at a time.

2) They like modding cars and older ones are just that bit easier to work on (in some cases). But then one argument is that they could buy an already fast car and mod it, right? No, remember, the budget doesn't go that far for a lot of people.

Now, let's compare that to my scenario, I could just buy another car, newer with fewer problems. Oh, hang on a minute I can't afford it and can't get car finance so I buy a cheaper car and repair it in bits. Sound familiar? It's the same logic but because I'm seemingly getting nowhere and haven't got it to 400bhp yet then it's seen as a complete waste of money by some, but this is not the case.

2 years ago I wouldn't dare put a spanner to a car, I've done jobs I wouldn't dare have tackled two years ago but now I do, so I'm learning. I can't afford to save up for a newer car so unless I go to 'Bank of Mum and Dad' I might as well just stick with the car for as long as I can, and that's been my logic all along. I'm forced in to it by circumstance and until you've been where I am financially you'd never understand.

Think about what I've done with this car and where I've got to with it, what's left? Not a lot. Yes, I could have saved up all this cash that I've 'ploughed' in to it and got myself a 3 year old D5 by now. But then how was I supposed to know that it would end up going this far and also how would I have even got around for the past 2 years without a car whilst I saved up all this cash?

Perhaps that will put things in to perspective for some people.

[stribo]

I can see what you're saying James, but your situation is a bit different to someone modifying a car. Unless you buy a supercar, any car is sold as a compromise between handling and comfort, power and economy, and so forth, modifying for me is about making the car less of a compromise, and a more focused performance car, so I forego comfort and good fuel economy in the interest of power and decent handling, also modifying for a lot of people is about putting their own stamp on the car they own, so it stands out from the sea of standard equivalent models. What you're doing is spending loads on your car just to stand still. I have been in your financial situation (although I don't know the specifics of your situation) what I did was buy a cheap car, if anything went badly wrong with it, I'd scrap it and buy another. As has been said before, it's your money, and if your happy to keep ploughing it in to your car, that's your choice.

[LiamT4]

What you're doing is spending loads on your car just to stand still.

Which is, what i'd imagine, what lots of people on VOC do.

[pillapow]

Just buy an 850 T5 for a couple of hundred quid and beat it hard. LOL.

Thats what im going to do. Oh yes.

[volvokid]

James if you like your car keep ploughing the money at it! I know if my saffy needed a new engine I wouldn't be scrapping or getting rid of it, and that's not worth alot probably.

[jamesy12345]

Which is, what i'd imagine, what lots of people on VOC do.

Not only on VOC! :) I do it on here too.....

[Harvey]

What you're doing is spending loads on your car just to stand still.

This sounds like someone I know,he spends loads on a car that just sits resting outside.:funkybana

Very good point made here there are a fair number of members here that run more than one car the second car is a hobby and or plaything, As said before the amount of money lavished on them is colossal,compared to what the book price is.

[stribo]

This sounds like someone I know,he spends loads on a car that just sits resting outside.:funkybana

Very good point made here there are a fair number of members here that run more than one car the second car is a hobby and or plaything, As said before the amount of money lavished on them is colossal,compared to what the book price is.

Yeah, I don't think any of us are under the illusion that we'll get back what we've spent on them, but for us it's a hobby, and more exciting than collecting stamps.;)

[V70 Graham]

Yeah, I don't think any of us are under the illusion that we'll get back what we've spent on them, but for us it's a hobby, and more exciting than collecting stamps.;)

Well said.....there are far more expensive hobbies (some stamps are worth more than my car)

[stribo]

Well said.....there are far more expensive hobbies (some stamps are worth more than my car)

That would be a first class stamp then.:P

[silverhorse]

FINALLY!!! People are starting to realise that the car belongs to James, and what he does with it is his business. LOL, it has only taken 120 odd posts. If he wants to plough money into what others believe is a lost cause, then that is his prerogative. Many might not agree with it, but he is hardly deserving of all the vitriol directed at him.
Crack on James, if this is the best way forward for you.

[Harvey]

Well said.....there are far more expensive hobbies (some stamps are worth more than my car)

Graham your car will always be worth more than one of these.

http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/r499/harveysr/4bf0c365dab337853fe6ceaea59216e2_zps2f0a91c9.jpg

[stribo]

Graham your car will always be worth more than one of these.

http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/r499/harveysr/4bf0c365dab337853fe6ceaea59216e2_zps2f0a91c9.jpg

One maybe, but not two. ;)

[V70 Graham]

FINALLY!!! People are starting to realise that the car belongs to James, and what he does with it is his business....

I for one have never slated James, I just hope he ends up with the V70 in decent condition.

[LeeT5]

2 years ago I wouldn't dare put a spanner to a car, I've done jobs I wouldn't dare have tackled two years ago but now I do, so I'm learning. I can't afford to save up for a newer car so unless I go to 'Bank of Mum and Dad' I might as well just stick with the car for as long as I can, and that's been my logic all along. I'm forced in to it by circumstance and until you've been where I am financially you'd never understand.



The problem is you don't listen! Collectively their is hundreds of years of experience from ppl working in the vehicle trade professionally, you would learn a lot more if you listened now and again.

Nobody is disputing anything of what you said in thread #123, and I for one, firmly agree. I myself have spent more than the car is worth in both modding and excessive servicing and a 'fix immediately' attitude regardless of cost, but then my car has only done 136k and as a model R is (by default) more valuable, desirable and theoretically, should hold it's value better than a V70 T5. I am mightily impressed that your car has done 260k......20 years ago, those sort of miles could only be dreamed of and if in existence, very rare indeed! Now I'm not in the car sale trade, but I know that your car won't devalue in price any more than it had done up until now. With 260k on the clock, you'll be lucky if it's worth £400 and I'm sure it's worth £400 all day long - but potentially (as Stribo says) £2k in parts!!!
For me, your situation would now be a big decision to make. Do I scrap for parts and potentially spend the money I get from parts on another, newer, lower mileage T5 OR do I wait for the inevitable big garage bill and then have my hand forced into keeping it and praying that nothing else goes wrong?

As far as mods go (presuming your car is saved from the dead).......well, engine wise, I would leave well alone. With 260k on it your engine ain't no spring chicken and it would be like trying to force your granny to play 90 minutes on a football pitch! Something will let go and then you'll be back here again. My advice is stop modding your engine. Accept that it won't get any faster and be thankful that it's still on the road and maybe you'll get her up to that massive milestone of 300k!!

I know what I'd do. ;)

I'm not having a pop at you James and despite our differences of opinion I genuinely hope you make the right decision.

Good luck! :)

[graemewelch]

2k in bits? If thats the case ill buy ten scrap v70s

[stribo]

The problem is you don't listen! Collectively their is hundreds of years of experience from ppl working in the vehicle trade professionally, you would learn a lot more if you listened now and again.

Nobody is disputing anything of what you said in thread #123, and I for one, firmly agree. I myself have spent more than the car is worth in both modding and excessive servicing and a 'fix immediately' attitude regardless of cost, but then my car has only done 136k and as a model R is (by default) more valuable, desirable and theoretically, should hold it's value better than a V70 T5. I am mightily impressed that your car has done 260k......20 years ago, those sort of miles could only be dreamed of and if in existence, very rare indeed! Now I'm not in the car sale trade, but I know that your car won't devalue in price any more than it had done up until now. With 260k on the clock, you'll be lucky if it's worth £400 and I'm sure it's worth £400 all day long - but potentially (as Stribo says) £2k in parts!!!
For me, your situation would now be a big decision to make. Do I scrap for parts and potentially spend the money I get from parts on another, newer, lower mileage T5 OR do I wait for the inevitable big garage bill and then have my hand forced into keeping it and praying that nothing else goes wrong?

As far as mods go (presuming your car is saved from the dead).......well, engine wise, I would leave well alone. With 260k on it your engine ain't no spring chicken and it would be like trying to force your granny to play 90 minutes on a football pitch! Something will let go and then you'll be back here again. My advice is stop modding your engine. Accept that it won't get any faster and be thankful that it's still on the road and maybe you'll get her up to that massive milestone of 300k!!

I know what I'd do. ;)

I'm not having a pop at you James and despite our differences of opinion I genuinely hope you make the right decision.

Good luck! :)


2k in bits? If thats the case ill buy ten scrap v70s

I didn't say it was worth £2K in bits, think that was MRP.

[LeeT5]

Sorry, I wasn't paying attention mate. If it was you or Martin, whatever, my point stands. Thou I do think £2k in parts is rather exaggerated. Maybe £1000-1500, either way, that's another T5 territory with a lot less miles!!!

[MIKESC70T5]

Sorry, I wasn't paying attention mate. If it was you or Martin, whatever, my point stands. Thou I do think £2k in parts is rather exaggerated. Maybe £1000-1500, either way, that's another T5 territory with a lot less miles!!!

If the engine is goosed, where is the £1000-1500 in parts coming from. What parts are worth anything?

[JamesT5]

Might just buy a whole new engine direct from Volvo, complete with ECU and get it installed. Cheaper than a new car! Good for another 250K then plus I can fit a beast in there like the 2.5L 'R' engine, get it mapped and I'm away. I'd just need to bear in mind that the DVLA and insurance company will need to know if I stick in a 2.4 T5 or 2.5 'R' engine because the car will differ from original spec.

This idea should provoke some hot collars and flack! :D :hihi:

[stribo]

TBH as it's a standard car (other than the black powerflex bushes), and a lot of the electrical stuff is coded to the car, there's not much to pick off it, the interior say £200, wheels the same if the tyres are good, then it's body panels, and interior trim. Might get a bit for the gearbox. This is what I was saying about spending out to stand still, at least modified parts can be sold on albeit at a loss, standard parts are ten a penny with a car produced in large numbers. Anyway, I'm sure James won't break it, and to be fair, he's come so far he may as well stick another engine in it if the worst comes to the worst, then all the major components have been changed and it could go on to do 500,000 miles, even if it does have a whiff of Triggers broom about it.

[JamesT5]

All cars started as a 'bag of parts', even Lee's R, Martin's Ex-Plod, Graeme's S60 and Stribo's C70 (to name just a few at random....) ;)

[JamesT5]

And non of them were from the same vehicle because the vehicle. You say my car has been partially remanufactured in the same way that Triggers broom was. Interesting perspective isn't it!

[volvokid]

James yeah yeah its your money but do you have any idea how much a new engine will cost from volvo? And don't get a 2.5 get a 2.4. You would be much better off buying a face lift V70.

[JamesT5]

James yeah yeah its your money but do you have any idea how much a new engine will cost from volvo? And don't get a 2.5 get a 2.4. You would be much better off buying a face lift V70.

I'll find out or get a remanufactured one from a specialist supplier. Anyway, according to Graeme Welch the 2.4 T5 is the Dogs B******s, he's got one and highly recommends it!

:bow_kneel :D

[stribo]

And non of them were from the same vehicle because the vehicle. You say my car has been partially remanufactured in the same way that Triggers broom was. Interesting perspective isn't it!
I didn't say that at all, all I'm saying is the more parts you change, gearbox, engine, suspension etc it'll be less of the original car it was i.e. Trigger's broom. I'm not saying that's a bad thing, as eventually everything will wear out on a car, and need replacing, but if you were to get it to 500K miles, it won't be anywhere near the car it was when it left the factory.

[volvokid]

Maybe Volvo offer an exchange haha , the 2.4 is the strongest of the 2.

[JamesT5]

I didn't say that at all, all I'm saying is the more parts you change, gearbox, engine, suspension etc it'll be less of the original car it was i.e. Trigger's broom. I'm not saying that's a bad thing, as eventually everything will wear out on a car, and need replacing, but if you were to get it to 500K miles, it won't be anywhere near the car it was when it left the factory.

http://consumerist.com/2013/09/23/mans-3-million-miles-in-volvo-sets-record-for-highest-mileage-by-a-single-driver-in-one-vehicle/

[Harvey]

http://consumerist.com/2013/09/23/mans-3-million-miles-in-volvo-sets-record-for-highest-mileage-by-a-single-driver-in-one-vehicle/

One big but that car haven't got a ECU in it.

[ExternalError]

if your serious about changing the engine 2.4 is the way to go less chance of split liners although it does happen and pretty much the same power output its the reason a few modified r's are now running a 2.4 block rather than the 2.5

[claymore]

if your serious about changing the engine 2.4 is the way to go less chance of split liners although it does happen and pretty much the same power output its the reason a few modified r's are now running a 2.4 block rather than the 2.5

Yes, it does :(

[stribo]

Yes, it does :(

Only because you were running silly amounts of boost. :P

[volvokid]

Tbh a 2.5 would be in safe hands with James with the way he says he drives, as long as he uses the correct oil.... Low blow sorry.

[JamesT5]

Ok, I've just had a call from the Volvo Specialist in Bridgend, they've fixed the problem.

The issue was the turbo, my engine is fine - compression is all 'honkydory', nothing wrong with it at all and it's not related to oil grade (sorry if I've just pee'd on someone's camp fire) :D :haha:

Basically, the rubber pipe on that comes off the turbo had split and the air metering was incorrect (hence my car has been running rough for a while and 'hunting' - especially on cold). This could also explain why my MPG has been so poor recently because they said that the car was basically over-fueling which hasn't helped.

The turbo has been stripped down completely by an experienced ex-Volvo technician who does these on a regular basis. The pins holding the center bearing in place within the turbo had come loose and the seals had failed which is why the car was burning oil. The turbo has been internally refurbished, and put back on the car, the rear rubber pipe has been replaced and the engine oil and filter have both been changed (shortest oil interval change the car has ever had - 700 miles). :D They've road tested the car 3 times, it idles nicely and is described as 'running perfectly' now with no oil burning. :deal:

Sorted then, and the bill is just shy of £360 including all the diagnostics, parts, VAT, labour, oil and filter, probably slightly cheaper than a remanufactured or new turbo when you take in to account the labour costs etc. I'll be picking it up tomorrow and hopefully feeling much happier.

I'm just glad this wasn't my engine at fault and thankfully it was a relatively cheap fix! Just waiting for the inevitable "You should have just got a new Turbo" and, "You should have got a bigger turbo and killed two birds with one stone" comments. But hey-ho, what the hell, the cars fixed innit! :beer: :B_thumb:

[jamesy12345]

Good news :)

[JamesT5]

Just got to approach the AA now to see if they want to send me a cheque. :D

[M-R-P]

Well James...

Firstly, yes - I was wrong, it happens a lot lol, it wasn't an electrical issue.

I'm really pleased for you that it was such a simple problem and relatively inexpensive (think - a DIM is over £700) and you won't need a bigger turbo - you have a rebuilt 16t which is one of the most reliable turbochargers around.

Well done mate - see you Sunday :beer:

[jamesy12345]

I wonder if the split pipe and turbo failure were linked.....overspeeding maybe, unless it was the orginal one in which case it's done alright

Hopefully you'll see some of that bill back

[V70 Graham]

Great news, glad it's back on the road.

[ExternalError]

great news james glad it didnt cost to much

[Harvey]

Good news ,glad it wasn't to painfull.
Just wondering what oil did they put in.

[Gold 'N' Brown]

O
Sorted then, and the bill is just shy of £360 including all the diagnostics, parts, VAT, labour, oil and filter, probably slightly cheaper than a remanufactured or new turbo when you take in to account the labour costs etc. I'll be picking it up tomorrow and hopefully feeling much happier.


:partysmil

That seems VERY reasonable to me, given that they must have spent a fair few hours on it! Very, very good news!

[stribo]

Good news James, see you Sunday.:)

[ExternalError]

i'd say thats pretty good for diagnostics and turbo rebuild

[LeeT5]

Great result. Sorted.

[960kg]

What will be next? ......any ideas! :uglyhamme

[stribo]

What will be next? ......any ideas! :uglyhamme

Early P2, got to be electrics.;)

[M-R-P]

My money's on the DIM lol

[JamesT5]

Good news ,glad it wasn't to painfull.
Just wondering what oil did they put in.

Zero Twenty Oil mate, they said it's the best stuff for an older engine like mine..... peepo


Just kidding, I imagine they'll use the default recommended oil for the car mate. ;)

[M-R-P]

Zero Twenty Oil mate, they said it's the best stuff for an older engine like mine..... peepo


Just kidding, I imagine they'll use the default recommended oil for the car mate. ;)

Best to check what they filled it with - you don't wanna top up with the wrong stuff mate.

[JamesT5]

:partysmil

That seems VERY reasonable to me, given that they must have spent a fair few hours on it! Very, very good news!

Bridgend Volvo Specialists (South Wales) -They are a very good Volvo Specialist and now my default choice for solving the more serious issues on my car. They're the guys who fixed my broken clutch and did the job correctly, their workmanship is that of a Main Dealer given all their technicians are Volvo time-served, but their labour rates are much lower.

I can't fault them for value for money, this bill was actually a pleasant surprise and although a strain on my wallet this month, it is at least a manageable one.

[JamesT5]

Best to check what they filled it with - you don't wanna top up with the wrong stuff mate.

I'll ask but given their standard of workmanship I'm sure they would use a suitable grade. It may even tell me on my invoice! :)

[JamesT5]

What will be next? ......any ideas! :uglyhamme

You've jinxed it now. I can send future bills your way can I? ;) :hilarious

[pillapow]

Nice price tbf, I told you it was the rubber pipe!! ;)

[silverhorse]

Happy days James. So pleased for you. The T5 keeps on rollin'!!

[MIKESC70T5]

Wow that's a bargain price, glad it's all sorted out.

[laughjimbo]

Glad you got it all sorted mate for not too much cash, I know what you've had to pay is a blow to the wallet but still about a quarter of what you thought it might have been, be a bonus if the AA cough up some of that bill too!!!

[stribo]

Best to check what they filled it with - you don't wanna top up with the wrong stuff mate.

That engine's used to having the wrong oil in it anyway. ;)

[JamesT5]

That engine's used to having the wrong oil in it anyway. ;)

Cheeky git. :D ;) :P

[LeeT5]

If the AA pay out then it will only cost James £35 total. That will be the best result he's had all year!

[JamesT5]

Got the car back today and gave it a machine polish and wax with the Meguires (sorry, no pictures as it was getting late when I finished). I also ran a antibac spray for the aircon, conditioned the leather and gave it a vacuum, looks great now.

But more importantly the ruddy turbo is back to life and even sounds great, actually different from before because there is now a turbo 'whistle' I hadn't heard before. The power delivery is smoother and the car idles much better than before, I seem to have more torque especially with WOT and to be honest I'm a happy man. BVS (Bridgend Volvo Specialists) have done a cracking job yet again, can't fault them and the bill, although a financial crippler this month, was still very reasonable at £359.56 including VAT. They charged 4.5 hours labour for the job which included removal of the turbo, strip down, rebuild, reinstall and change the oil and filter. The rest of the bill was parts, including the oil and filter.

So there we are, I'm broke and financially in the $$$$ this month but at least the car's fixed. :beer: :scared:

[V70 Graham]

Just hope you've got a fiver left for Sunday !

[S70T5Chris]

The turbo shouldn't whistle. That's normally a sign it's on it's way out?

[JamesT5]

Just hope you've got a fiver left for Sunday !

Oh, don't remind me or I'll have to go busking outside first...

[850 T5s]

glad your cars sorted james,

[JamesT5]

The turbo shouldn't whistle. That's normally a sign it's on it's way out?

Well that's funny because the 12 month old Insignia I had on loan had a turbo whistle as well and that wasn't on it's way out. Every other car I've had including a brand spankers Skoda Superb 2.0L CRTDi back in 2008, also had a turbo whistle. It's safe to say that after the this strip down and rebuild the turbo sound is perfectly normal.

[T5frankie]

turbo diesels tend to whistle

[S70T5Chris]

Well that's funny because the 12 month old Insignia I had on loan had a turbo whistle as well and that wasn't on it's way out. Every other car I've had including a brand spankers Skoda Superb 2.0L CRTDi back in 2008, also had a turbo whistle. It's safe to say that after the this strip down and rebuild the turbo sound is perfectly normal.

A 16t shouldn't whishtle.

[Gold 'N' Brown]

Here we go again....

[S70T5Chris]

Here we go again....

I was just making a friendly point. I never jump on the band wagon and have a go at James during his woes, like many do. He mentioned the turbo whistle as if it was a good thing.

[V70 Graham]

Maybe it's just the spinning up he can hear.....I doubt it's buggered already.

[stribo]

I can hear my turbo spool up, but I'm not sure I'd call it a whistle.

[M-R-P]

Mine whistles like a goodun but I've done things to it to make it whistle. James has an open cone filter which I know for a fact let's loads of noise out.

Why does it make noise now and not before the rebuild? Possibly because the turbo couldn't spool up as fast or make maximum rpm.

[stribo]

I can can hear mine spool up from quite low down the rev range, so unless his wasn't working at all previously he should have heard it.

[JamesT5]

You've got to remember, my turbo could have been knackered from when I had it so the strip down and rebuild it sorted a problem out that was always there and this was just a ticking time bomb.

[T5RatherAmusin]

glad your sorted dude!

[Gold 'N' Brown]

Wasn't having a pop at you Stribo (or anyone else) ;-)

[JamesT5]

Here we go again....

:hihi:

[stribo]

Wasn't having a pop at you Stribo (or anyone else) ;-)

No offence taken mate, especially as I posted after you. :lol:

[850 T5s]

i wouldn,t worry about the turbo whistle , just drive it and enjoy it

[JamesT5]

i wouldn,t worry about the turbo whistle , just drive it and enjoy it

Trust me, I will and the car just feels better anyway. The power doesn't surge now, it just feels nice and smooth and the car wants to be 'driven'. Very pleased with the quality of work from the specialist, they're top-notch!

[LeeT5]

Turbo whistle, that's just his perception of the noise. I know what he means. If I drive mine gently with light acceleration I can hear mine very audibly. If I floor it, then all I hear is the engine growl and exhaust note!
I can hear mine also when cruising. If the cruise control is on, it just spools up when slight load applied. Sweet!

[M-R-P]

Turbo whistle, that's just his perception of the noise. I know what he means. If I drive mine gently with light acceleration I can hear mine very audibly. If I floor it, then all I hear is the engine growl and exhaust note!
I can hear mine also when cruising. If the cruise control is on, it just spools up when slight load applied. Sweet!

There's a very steep hill on the A31 in the new forest and in 5th at 70 mph with the cruise on, i get a lovely, almost digital spoolup noise, almost hitting 13psi before it gets to the top.

Nice :)

[stribo]

There's a very steep hill on the A31 in the new forest and in 5th at 70 mph with the cruise on, i get a lovely, almost digital spoolup noise, almost hitting 13psi before it gets to the top.

Nice :)

And when do you do 70mph along there?

[M-R-P]

And when do you do 70mph along there?

When the wife's in the car - duuh!

[danny1]

There's a very steep hill on the A31 in the new forest and in 5th at 70 mph with the cruise on, i get a lovely, almost digital spoolup noise, almost hitting 13psi before it gets to the top.

Nice :)

I always floor it up that hill :))

[stribo]

I always floor it up that hill :))

Me too, but I'm generally doing more than 70 when I get to it, and that's with my wife in the car. :D

[M-R-P]

Me too, but I'm generally doing more than 70 when I get to it, and that's with my wife in the car. :D

Your wife's a speed freak the same as you (if not, worse) mine gets the hump!

Anybody else play the game where you see how fast you dare go round the right-hander at the top?

[danny1]

Never tried as the camera van likes to park round the corner :firedevil I usually approach it at 70mph but then hitting 18 psi on full boost all the way up :)

[M-R-P]

120 :)

[danny1]

Guess i'll be going for a drive tomorrow :)

[M-R-P]

Guess i'll be going for a drive tomorrow :)

Come to the swedish day dude, if you're heading this easy :)

[danny1]

Sadly I'm working tomorrow but I'll try and get to the Southern meet :)