[Stickygreen]

Looks like our xc90 has sprung a small oil leak…noticed about 15-20 small oil drips on driveway under where we park the t6. It appears that the leak is on the passenger side of engine, just inboard of RF wheel, that leaves a drop or two each night. Are there any common points for these engines to start leaking externally?

Taking it in for 60k service next week along with some cpo warranty repairs (cracked engine mount, low speed clunk that could be caused by engine mount, occasional CarPlay glitch) and now adding the oil drip to the list.

 

[volvogod]

The leak is probably the front engine crank engine seal. This is a pic of a leaking crank seal. The seal is in the center of the round plastic. You replace the complete plastic part. The timing belt assembly and plastic surrounds need to be removed to be able to remove the round plastic part. The shim gets replace every time that the crank pulley is removed. Install a new timing belt kit with this repair. You need a special tool to lock the cams in place when removing the T-belt 9997497.

 

[Tech]

Yep, I agree. Probably the front crank seal.

 

[Blue SUV]

The leak is probably the front engine crank engine seal. This is a pic of a leaking crank seal. The seal is in the center of the round plastic. You replace the complete plastic part. The timing belt assembly and plastic surrounds need to be removed to be able to remove the round plastic part. The shim gets replace every time that the crank pulley is removed. Install a new timing belt kit with this repair. You need a special tool to lock the cams in place when removing the T-belt 9997497.

View attachment 180299

View attachment 180301
View attachment 180302
View attachment 180303
View attachment 180304
View attachment 180305
View attachment 180306

How often do you see the replacements leak?

 

[831t5r]

Or it could be cam seals. Not as Common tho.
Or you developed a leak in oil filter housing. Those 2 items we do so constantly the oil filter housings and crank seals

 

[Mr.phil2u]

I had a small similar leak that was a loose drain plug on oil filter housing. FCP sells the filter housing complete with filter and Orings for $40 usd.

 

[volvogod]

How often do you see the replacements leak?

I have never seen a replacement leak. It is not that uncommon to have the 2016-2017 possibly some 2018's crank seal leak. This is a guess, looking at the above pic, the seal has shiny rub marks on it. I think that the factory seal installing process did not get the seal in straight. Over time the crank tooth gear end was contacting the seal. The seal leaked from being installed not square in the plastic housing. The contact may have helped it to leak. Every leaking crank seal that I repaired was worn in the same area. Some were covered during the 4/50 and CPO, others were past the 4/50 and customer pay.

 

[Stickygreen]

Wow great info…thanks! So if it is in fact the crank seal and timing belt has to be removed, is a new timing belt part of the repair, or might dealer try to re-install original timing belt? If it’s the latter I wouldn’t mind paying for the part to have a new belt put on but curious as to what is standard practice. Either way imagine it should be covered under cpo since this doesn’t fall under “oil consumption”.

Is there anything else I should have dealer repair/replace while in there? Serpentine belt perhaps? Car has 60k

 

[Tech]

I replaced the timing belt and got it covered because it was oil soaked.

The serpentine belt kit wouldn't be a bad idea, you'd have to pay for the parts though.

 

[Blue SUV]

I have never seen a replacement leak. It is not that uncommon to have the 2016-2017 possibly some 2018's crank seal leak. This is a guess, looking at the above pic, the seal has shiny rub marks on it. I think that the factory seal installing process did not get the seal in straight. Over time the crank tooth gear end was contacting the seal. The seal leaked from being installed not square in the plastic housing. The contact may have helped it to leak. Every leaking crank seal that I repaired was worn in the same area. Some were covered during the 4/50 and CPO, others were past the 4/50 and customer pay.

I see the marks. Good to know. I have to get this done, but it hasn't gotten bad yet. Hopefully OP can get this covered under his CPO warranty.

 

[volvogod]

This is from the VIDA installation directions. Do not re-use these pullies. A new t-belt kit does have to be installed.
The t-belt kit does come with the pullies and bolts. As Tech said, the t-belt is oil soaked. CPO should cover all of this, the crank seal and t-belt kit.

Note! Make sure that a new component is installed.
Tighten the screw.
Torque: M8, 24 Nm

Note! Only tighten the bolt finger tight at this stage.
Note! Make sure that a new component is installed.
Install the screw

 

[Stickygreen]

Much appreciated! Makes sense to replace the serpentine belt for only parts cost at 60k if it is in fact the crank seal leaking.

 

[SwedishDoomGoblin]

Makes sense to replace the serpentine belt for only parts cost at 60k if it is in fact the crank seal leaking.

100%. You're coming up on that anyway at maybe around 80K I believe. Might as well reset that clock. Belts are cheap. Destroyed valves are not. Not that you're in danger at 60K, but at 100K you would be.

 

[Stickygreen]

Update…ended up being oil filter housing so no free timing belt…oh well. But leak was covered, as were both engine mounts (got rid of my clunks), and was pleasantly surprised they covered the peeling/sharp chrome trim next to shifter under cpo. 60k service was performed under prepaid maintenance, but bill would have been a little over $900 (600 labor 300 parts) in the Bay Area. Have already covered the cost of ppd maintenance to 100k from steingold with 40-60k services.

Just reinforces my feelings toward the xc90…wonderful vehicle to own, but never without a warranty

 

[SwedishDoomGoblin]

A new filter housing? SCORE!!! That said, I'd be willing to bet an oil tech over-torquing the filter cap (probably repeatedly) or cross-threading it was the root cause of the leak. Haha.

I hear ya on the warranty, though. I've never owned a Volvo WITH one, but on the newer ones I think I really need to go CPO.