ENGINE LEAKS OIL FROM OIL CAP

Why is my Volvo car blowing oil out of the Oil Filler Cap?

Volvo cars do not have a PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) system to vent the gases and oil fumes
that build up in the crankcase. Volvo uses a Flame Trap system or an air/oil separator system on many
models to take care of this problem. But the Flame Trap system needs to be cleaned and/or replaced
regularly.

What can happen of I ignore the problem?

If the problem is ignored, internal pressure will begin to blow the gases and increasingly larger volumes
of oil out of the least resistant place. It can come out of the Oil Filler Cap and can blow out of the
Oil Dipstick tube. The pressure can even cause the dipstick to pushed partially out of the tube.
Eventually the pressure can blow out seals in the head or the main seals in the engine. This can cause a
rapid and dramatic loss of oil and oil pressure that can potentially damage the cylinder head(s) or the
engine.

What can I do?

Maintenance varies by model, but usually can be done by cleaning the Flame Trap system or the air/oil
separator and replacing worn parts and hoses that are part of these systems.