S60R Oil Use Question

[TerryW]

I am quite new to this forum and have recently purchased S60R with low miles after a run of BMWs and a Mercedes, the last being written off by flood damage, I needed a car pretty reasonably priced and not so boring, I do, do high mileage some 25k+ And spend on average 3-4 house driving per day. I am loving the S60r and although fuel efficiency is no match for a 2.0 litre modern diesel still seem to get 30-32 on motorway driving but this is in and around 70-mph, with the odd blast if I get some idiot behind which is good fun.
So here's to my question, I recently did non stop 4+hour trip from my home town of Brighton to Liverpool, a day later had to travel home, half way back oil level light came on so checked oil level and it was on the line, put 1 litre in and came back to normal, with the Beemers I would never half to do this at all only changing oil between services, as far as I can see engine runs very smooth, could there be the odd seal somewhere I can get a locally sourced Volvo mechanic to look into, or do they tend to drink a little.

I know the cars going to cost a little on maintenance it is a performance car after all, but I am used to paying out on finance to the tune of 400+ a month for vehicles which are boring to drive and too technical and clever and do everything for you, but love general blend of performance, comfort and rarity of this car without the finance hassles.

So heres saying hi to all on here and hopefully I will be around with this car over the next few years anyhow, without to many issues hopefully.

[merc85]

How many miles has the engine done?

Check for leaks at the rear of the block (turbo return seal)
Between the Gearbox and engine (Rear Main)
Smoke after boosting it (turbo seal)

I wouldnt have thought it would use oil, my 150k mile 850 t5 doesnt use any between 3,000 mile servicing

[Harvey]

There are a number of things that can cause oil to drop.
The turbo seal can cause oil loss.
but the engine breather can be the main cause,the easy way to see if it needs looking at is go for a long drive say 1/2 hour then stop, leave engine running ,open bonnet ,then pull the oil dip stick if you see steam/smoke coming out then it will need looking at.

Just to say nice choice of motor the seats are a good as they get,when you get a chance could we have some photos please we do like them.
here a link to give you a idear the banjo bolt on the inlet manifold is the problem most of the time.

http://www.ipdusa.com/products/4991/...rbo-5-cylinder

[M-R-P]

welcome aboard, there's a monthly southern meet not too far from you (wrong end of the m27), it would be good to have you there, we're a friendly bunch and at least one of us would be happy to check your car over.

[stribo]

Our S60R goes ages without using a drop, then all of a sudden it's halfway down the dipstick, but doesn't use any more.

[Harvey]

Our S60R goes ages without using a drop, then all of a sudden it's halfway down the dipstick, but doesn't use any more.

It could be when the driver changes,it uses a bit ?.

[stribo]

It could be when the driver changes,it uses a bit ?.

Hadn't thought of that.

[TerryW]

Hi folks thanks for your replies, the car has done 49k albeit it's nearly 10years old, with one owner an estates agent, from service history and mot's it has only done 7-8k and less a year, unfortunately now it's gonna be subject to high miles with me driving it, although this will be motorway and at reasonable speeds, I will try and get a picture up onto my profile soon. I have managed to find a small local firm who are Volvo specialists! which could be very good in terms of their knowledge of the brand and maintenance pricing! they have advised as the car is 9 years old the cam belt would benefit from changing in the not to distant future albeit it has not done the 96k miles, and I am sure he can check out for the leaks and replace seals as needed then. I will keep an eye on things anyhow in terms of oil usage, I failed to mention I did once have a T5 hence an appreciation for Performance Volvos, so have some history and loved the car before being seduced by a new merc some 5-6 years back.

Thanks for the invite to the local southern meet, yes I will try and get to some.

Thanks again for your replies.

[LeeT5]

Hi folks thanks for your replies, the car has done 49k albeit it's nearly 10years old, with one owner an estates agent, from service history and mot's it has only done 7-8k and less a year, unfortunately now it's gonna be subject to high miles with me driving it, although this will be motorway and at reasonable speeds, I will try and get a picture up onto my profile soon. I have managed to find a small local firm who are Volvo specialists! which could be very good in terms of their knowledge of the brand and maintenance pricing! they have advised as the car is 9 years old the cam belt would benefit from changing in the not to distant future albeit it has not done the 96k miles, and I am sure he can check out for the leaks and replace seals as needed then. I will keep an eye on things anyhow in terms of oil usage, I failed to mention I did once have a T5 hence an appreciation for Performance Volvos, so have some history and loved the car before being seduced by a new merc some 5-6 years back.

Thanks for the invite to the local southern meet, yes I will try and get to some.

Thanks again for your replies.

Hi Terry, welcome to the forum. Great choice of car and long may you enjoy it!

Regards your oil issue. Firstly, I would start as I mean to go on. Get it in for a service and make sure the correct grade of oil is used. It needs to be 5w/30 not 0w/30 which is too thin.
Secondly, I agree with all the above, however, with only 49K I would be very surprised if your rear main or turbo seals are leaking.
Most likely culprit it the Turbo return pipe seal. It's 50p and only costs about £70 to change at the dealer. You will see oil dripping from the bottom of the turbo if it is leaking.
Your PCV (breather system) should definitely not be blocked at 49K, but do the dipstick check anyway as it does not cost anything.
Other than that, I would just monitor it. After all, you've not had the car long so you may find it's not as bad as you think.

[TerryW]

Thanks Lee, will keep an eye, maybe just a bit paranoid at moment, still need to feel confident in the car, the more miles I do will only give me that confidence in its durability, but I am a realist and I am expecting maintenance issues to crop up.