1999 XC70 Engine Rebuild ???

**I-Su.Yu** · 11-28-2010, 09:05 AM

My '99 XC70 consumes a quart of oil every ~1500 miles or ~2 months. There's no evidence of leaking, so I'm guessing it's time to consider having the engine rebuilt. As the original owner, I have alot invested in this vehicle which is otherwise in great shape. So, I'd like to keep it. Is it time to consider rebuilding the engine? My mechanic says to just keep an eye on the oil level and top it off as needed. Anyone care to share their thoughts/experiences? Thanks.

**JRL** · 11-28-2010, 10:24 AM

That is normal
If you're burning ONE qt. every 500 miles then consider(rebuilding) it, but on an older engine this is quite normal oil consumption.
Save your money for other needed things on your R.

(BTW, who told you that you're burning too much oil)?

**I-Su.Yu** · 11-28-2010, 12:06 PM

Originally Posted by JRL

That is normal ....
(BTW, who told you that you're burning too much oil)?

Having owned this car since it was new, not having to add oil between 5K oil changes was my expectation - no one told me. Obviously, not a realistic expectation in light of its' age. I'm monitoring the oil level with the trip odometer to get the most accurate picture possible going forward.
Thanks.

**JRL** · 11-28-2010, 02:48 PM

My higher mile 99 T5 5 speed is about as perfect as a high mile Volvo can be
(141K)
The engine is PERFECT, clean, breather is new, no leaks, no burning, etc.
It now burns about 1 qt. in 4K miles.
(I do not drive it particularly hard and rarely redline it).

My other Gen 1s use about the same amount of oil.

If you go to a Volvo dealer they will tell you that 1 qt in 1500 miles is normal and to be expected with mileage over 100K miles.

Do a Seafoam treatment, I'm sure that will help and for 10 bucks what have you got to lose!

It also depends on how hard (RPM) you drive it
1 qt in 500 miles is when you consider rebuilding it or scrapping it
Remember a clean breather box, new hoses and lines also help.
Using SYNTHETIC oil also helps