How to Diagnose Turbo Return Pipe Seal Oil Leak in Volvo V70?

Frustrated by increased oil consumption in your Volvo V70? Although there can be many different reasons why a V70 might eat up oil at an alarming rate, one that can remain hidden is a flawed turbo return pipe seal. So, what exactly does this seal do, and how can its deterioration be identified before it translates into an expensive engine repair? Let’s find out…

Turbo Return Pipe Seal, Explained

The turbo return pipe seal is an important part of Volvo V70’s turbocharger lubrication mechanism… It can be found where the turbo return pipe connects to the engine. By sealing the gap between the return pipe and the engine oil system, this rubber-made component prevents oil from leaking out of its designated pathway. As with any such seals, the turbo return pipe seal can deteriorate over time… resulting in a barely detectable oil leak.

How to Know if It Is Leaking

1. Oil puddles or stains under the car: Oil pooling beneath the car… is a clear indication that there is a leak somewhere in the system through which oil is leaking out. That ‘somewhere’ could be the turbo return pipe seal. This seal can deteriorate over time due to continual exposure to heat and pressure… resulting in oil pouring onto the ground.
2. Engine performance issues: The turbocharger helps your Volvo V70’s engine operates at its best… It is a quite complex unit made of numerous components, some of which require proper lubrication to function at their best. If there is a leak in the system… those components won’t receive enough lubrication. It will cause the turbo system to perform inefficiently… contributing to issues such as reduced acceleration, stalling, hesitation, etc.

#3- Increased oil consumption rate: Another common finding in Volvo V70s with a defective turbo return pipe seal is increased oil consumption. So, if you’re having to top up the oil more frequently that usual, it could be a sign that oil is pouring out of the system… most probably because of a leaky turbo return pipe seal. Have the seal checked for signs of wear and tear.

#4- Burnt oil smell: Oil pouring onto hot engine surfaces because of a leaky turbo return pipe seal can give off a distinctive burnt oil odor. Never ignore such odors… find out the source of the leak from where oil is dripping onto hot engine components and have it fixed before it turns into an expensive repair.

Let's Talk the Diagnosis Process

Step #1- Check for cracks and wear

If your Volvo V70 is leaking oil and you suspect the culprit is the turbo return pipe seal… the very first thing that you should do is carefully examine the seal and pipe for visible cracks, wear, or oil strains. If there is noticeable physical damage either pipe or seal, reach out to the nearest service center for a repair/replacement.

Step #2- Consider using dye or UV leak detector

It is perhaps the most effective way to trace any leak to its source… All you have to do is to add UV dye to the engine oil and use a UV light to find the spot where the oil is leaking. No matter how minute the leak is… you’ll be able to diagnose it without much effort.

Step #3- Check for internal leaks using pressure test

Applying pressure to the turbo system… to stimulate the conditions it experiences during operation can help identify any leaks in the turbo return pipe or seal. Since such tests require specialized equipment to be conducted… it is important that you have them done at a service center.

Concluding Remark

The turbo return pipe seal is essentially a rubber-made component, entrusted with the task of sealing the gap between the engine lubrication system and the turbo return pipe. Although it is capable of withstanding extreme engine temperature and pressure… it can deteroriate over time. This deterioration could result in an oil leak… so negligible that specialized tools will be needed to trace it to its source.

If not replaced on time, a defective turbo return pipe seal can contribute to issues such as sluggish acceleration, stalling, etc. The seal should therefore be inspected at a regular interval for signs of degradation that could compromise its effectiveness.

Oldwick Village Garage is a leading auto repair and maintenance facility for European and Exotic automobiles in the entire area. We at Oldwick are equipped with the latest tools and diagnostic computers which are individually used for diagnosing.