I have a 1998 V70 XC AWD wagon with 114K miles. It's been leaking oil, so I took it to my mechanic to investigate, and was told the oil leak was coming from the upper head gasket. Estimated repair cost: $1200, because it's a 10-hour job, and requires removing (and replacing) the timing belt. It was also determined that I had a small leak in one of the coolant hoses...$350 to replace all. There did not seem to be any sense of urgency whatsoever about the oil leak. The mechanic told me that it was dripping on things and would eventually make a mess, but was really something that could just be monitored until it got to the point where I had to add oil between oil changes.

Is he correct, or by not fixing the leak, will I just be creating more problems down the road? My wife had me looking at a new V60 Cross Country this weekend. It seemed okay, but it just made me realize how much I love my car. I just put in $1000 4 months ago for new brakes and wheel bearings. I'd like to keep it going, but everyone seems to be telling me it's crazy to put another $1500 into an 18 year old car. Appreciate any thoughts on the subject!

 

It does not cause additional mechanical problems.

 

I've never heard of a head gasket leaking oil on this model. I would get another set of eyeballs to look at your car. It MIGHT be leaking from the cam cover possibly or cam seals. Pretty low miles - I would have it fixed regardless.

 

Probably the cam cover, which is not a 10 hour job. Don't use this shop. It pays 6.7 hours.

 

Thanks for the replies. I did take it to another mechanic, and they also said it was a leak from the upper head gaskets. I'm going to have the coolant hoses repaired by the mechanic that I do trust, and will suggest they also look at the cam cover. If it turns out that's what it is, is there more urgency to fix it? Thanks.

 

oil seepage is not going to cause any issues

 

There is only one head gasket. Neither of those shops must do much Volvo work.

 

Thanks for the replies.