Volvo Repair: Smoking, and the mechanic doesnt know what is wrong., volvo 240 wagon, crankcase oil

Question
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Followup To
Question -
I have a 1989 volvo 240 wagon with approx. 173K miles.  I don't have any mechanical skills.

The Problem:  The car is making a noise that sounds like it is going to die but it doesn't actually die instead a big cloud of light colored smoke comes out the back and then the car sounds normal again and drives fine.  This doesn't happen at any certain time and only happens a couple times a day.  It has also died a couple of times.  I took it to a mechanic who has had my car for a week and still can't figure out what the problem is.  Any help would be great, I'm kind of getting tired of paying to not have my car fixed.  Let me know if you need any other info.

Thanks,

Tracy
Answer -
Hi Tracy,
       I can only think a few reasons why your car puffs out blue? smoke...worn out piston rings AKA tired engine...have wet and dry compression test performed to know for sure..misc.problem with oil return from head/camshaft area...Crankcase venting system introducing oil into intake manifold...over filled crankcase oil volume....sorry for the non-simple terms...If you want a accurate answer...see your Volvo servise Dept...or find a little guy..who only does Volvos.
         Good luck,


         Bilbo


I did put in too much oil right before this started, the mechanic said it was over the upper limit but not really high.  The car never smokes when the mechanic drives it (of course).  Do you think removing some of the oil could help?  What about the fact that it dies occasionally, this also started after putting in a lot of oil.

Answer
Hello,
     Too much oil is BAD..I would double check the oil level on flat land while the engine has been sitting for at least a hour...check it 2 times...to be sure...if over  3/4 of a quart... drain excess...cant hurt
         I can't think of a specific problem that would cause the engine almost stall...then run perfectly well...interesting.
         Happy Motoring,
         Bilbo