Hi there,
I've had my car fixed a couple of times now, and only a few months ago I can smell oil or something whenever I accelerate. I've been told it smells stronger from the passenger side, but I can also smell it when my 360 is running and I'm standing outside next to it.

I've taken it to the mechanic since for a service, I told him about it, but he couldn't find anything. I check the oil around once a week and there's always plenty in there. Should it be something I worry about? The car IS from 1984... but I couldn't smell it when I first got it.

Anyone else had similar experiences? Thanks

A (partly) clogged PCV system could cause the smell. PCV system's oil separator box is at the intake side of the engine so the stronger smell at the passenger side would also point that way.

Here's a thorough guide for checking and cleanin the PCV system. It's written for 700-series cars, but it's the same system as in 360. http://www.volvoclub.org.uk/faq/EngineS ... A_Treatise


Worn valve guide seals are also very much likely to cause burning oil smell when accelerating. Do you get any blue smoke from the exhaust when accelerating? If there's any blue smoke from the exhaust when accelerating, the culprits for the smell (and smoke) are quite likely worn valve guide seals.


-Marko

You should not get a sudden smell from general driving unless there is a breather leak, an exhaust leak under the car or oil really pissing out onto something hot.

I'm not sure what a PCV system is (positive crank vent?), crank case should have a slight vacuum. Undo the oil filler cap and leave it sitting there with the engine idling, then try to lift it with light finger tip pressure. You should feel an initial suction which releases one you get it off the surface.

The flame trap can get blocked and a coiled filter is replaced with a holed plastic type in later spares/engines. If pressure does build up the plastic cap at the back of the bead will pop out and soak your engine bay in oil. The oil flame trap (seperator?) is in the pipe above the black plastic module beside the starter, its about 1" diameter and is a friction fit in the pipe, easy to remove by hand without any tools normally. There is also a little pipe that comes out, make sure that is connected to the manifold or carb, isn't blocked (or the nipple).

PCV (positive crank case ventilation) term with redblock engines usually includes the whole breather system, it's all explained in the FAQ article posted above.