Volvo: oil leaks on 240 gl, valve cover gasket, crankcase pressure

Question
Hi
My volvo developed a major oil leak a couple of weeks ago (there is oil pooling in the stone guard and drains, about 100ml after a trip of about 20km). at first I thought that it may have been the head gasket as there was oil on the block also, therefore I replaced the gasket, which had no effect on the leak. next I checked and replaced the front oil seals as they also seemed to be causing the problem, again no change! please have you got any advice on what to look at next as I have reached the end of my know how?


Answer
David,
Clean the entire engine of all oil and grease. Make sure the PCV system is not plugged. Some also call this the flame trap. Replace as needed. If that system is blocked the crankcase pressure will build and blow out seals, even new ones. With a clean engine and flame trap assembly that is working properly run the engine and look for leaks. The front seals or lower hosuing gasket, valve cover gasket, the plug on the rear of the cylinder head, oil pan, rear main, the flame trap box also has seals where it blots to the block.