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I have a 2008 model Volvo V70 D5 SE, and I recently received a recall notice from Volvo regarding diesel fuel getting into the sump oil during a DPF regeneration event, and possibly causing the engine to self-fuel. I am a member of the Volvo Owners club, and made enquires from other members to see how widespread this problem is, and what Volvo intends to do about it. The official line from Volvo is that they will simply drain off sump oil until the level is ¾ on the dipstick, change some software, and ask the driver to monitor it. Now Volvo only recommends a very high specification of engine oil to be used – approx £75 a fill – and yet they are telling me, and other Volvo owners that a dilution of the oil with diesel, particularly the bio element of the fuel, will not degrade the oil’s performance, or cause premature engine wear.
Asked on 4 September 2010 by NC, London SE9
Answered by
Honest John
My advice is the same standard advice that applies to everything with a DPF, not just Volvos. Diesel cars with particulate filters are completely unsuitable for repeated short runs from cold. If that is how you intend to use the car and it has a particulate filter, sell it and buy something suitable for your type of use. My view, as published in the FAQs on my website, is that because of the numerous problems with diesel engines they make no sense unless you do 15,000 miles a year or more. The cost of repairs far outweighs any benefits in fuel economy. The problems with modern diesels do not stop at
underdeveloped DPF technology. And my advice remains that if the oil has been contaminated as a result of short run use when extra fuel injected into the engine could not regenerate the filter and instead raised the oil level, then the car needs an oil change, not merely a partial draining of its sump.
underdeveloped DPF technology. And my advice remains that if the oil has been contaminated as a result of short run use when extra fuel injected into the engine could not regenerate the filter and instead raised the oil level, then the car needs an oil change, not merely a partial draining of its sump.
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