Volvo Repair: extreme blow by or crankcase pressure, air intake hose, vacuum leaks

Question
I have a 1994 Volvo 850 and it has bad blow by to the point that it blowing off vacuum hoses and billowing out the dip stick tube. I took it to mechanic not avolvo mechanic and he says the pistons are shot. It started with the idle fluctuating up and down then stalling. The car has been sitting for a while and I started it and I had to feaher the gas pedal to keep it running. After a minute or so it smoothed out and idled. Once it got to running temperature it stayed running but has the blow by problem. The still runs fairly strong and the rest of the car is in excellant shape and I hate to get rid of it. Can you tell me what you might think the problem is? Could it be the PCV or a clogged flame trap? help!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer
Mike, see, you didnt need me, you figured it out on your own.  Remove the air intake hose and check the flame trap.  Pistons are shot?  Is he a moron?  guys like that should have their MVP permit taken away.  You may also be having a problem with the Air Mass meter.  Check for vacuum leaks and check to see if OBD 2 has any codes stored.  Roger