Need some input

[coffee]

Hi All,

I have my Volvo in the shop and the charges were already at $1500 and they also stated the rear seal was leaking. Is this something I should have them fix or should I just use a high mileage oil? If HM oil is your opinion then should I go with the MaxLife synthetic 10w30 or the syn blend 10w40 for my Volvo 945?

 

[tomcat27]

need a little more info. how long do you plan on keeping the car? what age car, miles? I prefer to fix it right - but I also kkeep my cars a long time. volvos are expensive to maintain at the dealer. can you find a good independant mechanic who knows volvos? ditto with most german brands.

 

[Steve S]

The repair is at least drop the trans . What is being done on the car now?

 

[coffee]

Well, they replaced the rack and pinion steering and the val cover gasket as well as some other seals that were leaking. We had to pick the car up due to needing it for Wednesday but they stated we could bring it back next week with no added charges.

I tentatively purchased Mobil 1 HM 10w40 last night in case that was the best option.

We plan on keeping the Volvo a long time as our other Volvo lasted 380k but I wasn't sure the cost of fixing it was necessary if a good HM oil could fix the issue.

 

[mechtech2]

"No additional charges"?

Well then, have them change the seal!

 

[Geonerd]

I'm not at all convinced that HM oils do much for seals and gaskets. I tried M1 10W-30HM about a year ago, hoping it would slow some minor leaks. (And since it's nice and thick, with extra adds.) Didn't do a thing for my valve cover gasket. It might(?) have helped my 1-drop-per-day distributor seal leak. As others will no doubt tell you, 'oil can't fix a broken car!'

OTOH, 10W-40HM should do well when Az becomes a furnace in a few months...

 

[coffee]

Thank you both for the replies and to answer the question above about no additional charges, I meant they would not charge a fee to inspect the vehicle but would charge over $400 for the seal replacement.

I am not convinced the HM oil will fix anything but it is the cheapest way to test at this point.

 

[Steve S]

If you want to gamble try some Auto RX and see if that helps with the leak before spending the $400.00????

 

[demarpaint]

Originally Posted By: coffee
Hi All,

I have my Volvo in the shop and the charges were already at $1500 and they also stated the rear seal was leaking. Is this something I should have them fix or should I just use a high mileage oil? If HM oil is your opinion then should I go with the MaxLife synthetic 10w30 or the syn blend 10w40 for my Volvo 945?


I've read and heard good things about White Shephard for oil leaks. It has a satisfaction guarantee, and is supposed to be very good for oil leaks. Some of the AAP stores carry it it runs about $20. HTH

 

[mechtech2]

Then by all means try a sauce to fix or attenuate the problem.
Am HM oil , AutoRx, or a series.

 

[IndyIan]

I used some GM seal swell product in the oil of my old olds with a rope type main seal, went from 1 quart every couple tanks of gas to nearly nothing.

 

[fdcg27]

Agreed!
It will cost the OP very little to try something before spending four hudred clams.
I would try AutoRx as a first resort, and then there is always Maxlife, with which many have had good results.
I have a seep at both the trans shaft seal on the Aerostar and the rear main seal. I am going to try Maxlife trans fluid as well as Maxlife oil for both.
An inexpensive first resort.