Time to Retire '98 at 280K miles (?)

[DHP]

New to forum. Wish I had found it long ago. I have two V70XC's. A '98 with 280K miles and a '99 with 114K miles. I just got the 99 as a replacement. That may be fortunate as the 98 is now leaking oil at a good clip. But I read a bit here and maybe it's the oil return from the turbo. That would be good. I also have a small coolant leak in the heater core (can smell and get fogging) so that's a concern. And the clunk from the RF suspension. Probably a bad bushing somewhere. And it is consuming oil at a rate of about 1 qt per 500 miles with blue smoke. I think it may be getting into the intake from the turbo. Not sure. And it's time for a new timing belt. All this combine makes me consider retiring the car. I have some space so I could strip it of parts to save for the '99. Lots of recent stuff like tires, brakes, PS pump, fuel pump (that was a fun DIY job), steering rack, drive shafts, and a host of other things. The 99 is a bit of an unknown. Seems solid but I have no history. Having spares will be useful I think.

Overall I think the '98 car has served me very well. I bought it from a dealer as a Volvo Certified used car with 90K. I have always done the scheduled maintenance. I have probably paid about $2000/yr in upkeep/repairs. I have all records for my time of ownership. I have never had any serious engine or drive train problems. Worst was the rear drive shaft but at 250K that's not bad?

Any thoughts on pushing forward towards 300K?

thanks,

DHP

[JRL]

You're about at the limit for a used 5 cyl Volvo, 300-325K.
Check the turbo line, if bad replace then try to drive it for another 20-40K.

The only ones I know of with more miles were owned since or near new and were pampered with a lot of of synthetic oil changes from birth.

300K is nothing to sneeze at and it should receive a proper burial :rolleyes:

[DHP]

I may be able to arrange a burial at sea if that would do? I am starting to think salvaging usable spares may be the best path. If it's time to pull the plug I'll check the organ donor box on the registration for the '98 so that others may live on...

I'll see about the turbo line this weekend. Can I reach that without removing anything (like manifolds)? Not likely?

Thanks.

[DHP]

I may have found my answer about access to turbo oil return line here:
http://volvospeed.com/Repair/awd_oil_return.php
Looks like fun.

[clutchkith]

retire it!!! I need parts!! LOL. PM sent

[ylstaffer]

DHP, it sort of depends on where these oil leaks are coming from. The blue smoke is most likely a bad turbo. I just had the same issue with my 98 and the turbo was leaking oil into the cylinders. Once I changed it the blue smoke disappeared. However my biggest oil leak was merely a cam seal, not such a big deal to replace (as long as it's on the left/driver's side of the engine). If your oil line to the turbo is leaking, then that will be remedied with the turbo replacement. But another oil leak spot that's expensive to repair is the rear main seal on the crankshaft. This requires major surgery and would likely be a deal breaker for you.

Replacing the turbo with a good used one will be expensive enough and with that many miles on your car it's a difficult call. Mine only has 155k so it is likely only half-way through it's lifetime, and the rest of the car is in great shape. But when you consider the other issues you mentioned (heater core, strut mount, timing belt) it does appear that 'Taps' may be playing in the background. You could probably purchase another 98 in decent shape with fewer miles for what it would cost to get yours back on the road, but if you don't need two similar cars then the 98 will be a great donor car for your 99 (with some differences that you are likely aware of).

[n00bkiller944]

id say replace the seal/ and or turbo for cheap (ebay turbo) and drive it until it really dies then use it as a donor for your new ride!