2016 S90 T6 - Excessive Oil Consumption Concerns

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Chris P. · rep 0 · May 22, 5:18 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2016 Volvo S90 T6 Inscription

Hey everyone, I've got a 2016 Volvo S90 T6 with about 80,000 miles on it, and I've noticed it's consuming a significant amount of oil. I'm having to add about a quart every 1,500-2,000 miles, which seems excessive for a modern engine.

There are no visible leaks on my driveway, and I don't see any blue smoke from the exhaust, so I'm a bit stumped. I'm diligent with my oil changes, using the recommended synthetic oil.

Is this normal for the T6 engine in the 2016 S90? Has anyone else experienced high oil consumption without obvious leaks or smoke? What could be the potential causes, and what steps should I take?

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

Excessive oil consumption in modern engines, including Volvo's Drive-E T6 engine (B4204T27), can be a concern, especially if it's significantly more than what the manufacturer considers 'normal.' While some oil consumption is expected, adding a quart every 1,500-2,000 miles without visible leaks or smoke is on the higher side and warrants investigation.

  1. PCV System Issues: A common culprit for internal oil consumption without external leaks is a faulty Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) system. If the PCV valve or associated hoses are clogged or failing, it can lead to excessive crankcase pressure, forcing oil past piston rings or valve seals. This can also cause vacuum leaks and potentially trigger a check engine light with codes like P0171 (System Too Lean).
  2. Piston Rings/Valve Stem Seals: Worn or stuck piston rings or degraded valve stem seals can allow oil to enter the combustion chamber and burn off. This often manifests as blue smoke, especially on startup or deceleration, but it might not always be visible if the consumption is moderate.
  3. Turbocharger Issues: The T6 engine is twin-charged (turbocharged and supercharged). A failing turbocharger seal can allow oil to leak into the exhaust or intake side, where it's burned off. This might be accompanied by a whining sound from the turbo or oil residue in the intake piping.
  4. Oil Separator: The oil separator (part of the PCV system) can also fail, leading to oil being drawn into the intake manifold.

When to See a Shop: It's crucial to have your 2016 S90 T6 inspected by a qualified Volvo technician. They can perform an oil consumption test, which involves precisely measuring the oil level, sealing the engine, and re-checking after a specified mileage. They can also perform a compression test and a leak-down test to assess the condition of the piston rings and valve seals. Additionally, they will inspect the PCV system and turbocharger for any signs of failure. Addressing excessive oil consumption early can prevent more significant engine damage down the line.