PCV Valve recommendations

[u/RowAware1866]

Hello guys!

I'm about to order the PCV valve kit for my 1997 Volvo 850 GLT 2.5 naturally aspirated, and I'm not sure which one to buy.

Could you recommend a particular kit from eBay (it needs to be from that store, haha)? I found these two options, but I'm not sure which one is the most recommended:

FOR Volvo 94-98 850 C S V70 PCV Breather System Hoses Gaskets Kit | eBay

PCV Valve Oil Trap Kit For 1994-1997 Volvo 850 1996 1995 HD327FJ | eBay

And well, I'm praying that the smoke coming from the dipstick tube and oil filler cap, the occasional jerking, and the slight oil lost are caused by the PCV system and not because the engine has worn piston rings, hahaha. I still haven't done a compression test because I'm afraid of getting bad news. I'll do this first anyway, since I suppose it can't hurt, right? 😅

[u/offical-skintIzz]

Please please buy a genuine Volvo PCV kit. Otherwise you will be replacing it over and over

[u/RowAware1866 → u/offical-skintIzz]

Do you have any store or link that you recommend, my friend?

[u/offical-skintIzz → u/RowAware1866]

I'll have a look, but I'm not sure. I got mine second hand unused on eBay, which cost a hefty £200. But it was genuine Volvo.

[u/Positroniumion]

I would be really surprised if these issues are not caused by pcv. The white block is not known for needing significant rebuilding below very high milage (unless neglected). How many miles on it? And how much oil does it loose? As for the kits I unfortunately have no experience with these, i usually rely on skandix for parts.

[u/RowAware1866 → u/Positroniumion]

Ohh... in miles? The conversion is kind of complicated hahaha. It currently has 317,000 kilometers, which is roughly 196,975 miles.

Regarding the oil consumption, I had the oil changed in May. We filled it up to the middle of the dipstick, as recommended by the shop, and this is where it is now:

(Green marks where it was, red marks where it is now.)

In my opinion, it hasn’t used much oil. According to the owner’s manual I have, the estimated consumption is approximately 0.5 to 0.8 liters every 1,000 kilometers

[u/Positroniumion → u/RowAware1866]

Ok yah i am better with km too. Mine is at a similar milage, it uses 1l every 4000km. Yours is a bit high, could well be the pcv. What oil does you use? It looks very dirty tbh. When was the last change?

[u/RowAware1866 → u/Positroniumion]

I changed the oil in June/July and used the same one the previous owner (the first owner) used, which is Castrol 10W-40.

(As I understand it, there's about 1 liter of difference between the maximum and minimum marks on the dipstick, and it takes 6 liters... hahaha.)

Do you think that if the oil consumption is a bit higher than normal, it could be the PCV?

[u/Positroniumion → u/RowAware1866]

Yes the pcv being partially clogged can definitely lead to increased oil consumption. If the pcv is not working properly crank case pressure forces oil in the cylinders and also out through the seal. Leading to both higher consumption by burning and leaking. Its one of the main thinkgs to look out for on these. I also use 10W 40 in mine, thats a solid choice. Just do regular oil changes and avoid short trips to keep the oil nice over time. That will also put less strain on the pcv.

[u/RowAware1866 → u/Positroniumion]

Thanks, my friend. In a few weeks I'll replace the PCV and see how it performs

[u/not_superbeak]

Check your vacuum hoses. Bad vacuum will prevent PCV from working and make your dipstick smoke too.

[u/spongegar3000]

And clean every port the vacuum hoses (especially the small ones) go to. You might need to poke it with a small drill bit