I received the new water pump today..fast shipping !!! I put it all back together and burped it as best I could. I took it for a drive and the temp gauge was rock steady at 1/2 scale even when I went up our steep hill accelerating hard, I also did a short run to red line with no issues. The new coil pack made it purr . It does have the CEL on but I'll check the code and clear it. It always says I have a bad stop light but both are working although I suspect 1 may be the wrong type since it's a bit dimmer. I may add some water wetter to see how it performs.

So initially I'm satisfied. It's been a long torturous path but it seems to work. I've learned a lot but I'm still not sure if I'll really like it. Time will tell. For those who have contributed to this, thank you for taking the time to help a lost soul. The shifttronic is kind of nice.

 

The CEL was P0705 . I cleared it and it hasn't come back !!! The stop light nag was fixed by using the proper brake bulb. Curently, no CEL codes & no DIM messages. I am getting to like it bit.It's very comfortably and fairly quiet. It does steer and brake properly. So far it hasn't lost any oil or coolant.

IF anyone else needs/wants to do the head be advised to buy a proper cam lock. You will need it to torque down the VVT.

 

Thanks for posting all this information! I know you haven't got many responses, but you 7-some odd month ordeal has been very informative. If I ever need to change my head gasket, I'll be looking up your post for sure :-)

 

Well, I have the beast up for sale. I like it but things have changed here. My wife has always wanted a convertible I want to buy her a Mustang convertible. Several years ago she was diagnosed with untreatable , terminal cancer. Now it's getting near the end for her, sadly. I can fix cars and computers and lawnmowers but I can't fix her. So if a stupid convertible can give her some pleasure, why not?

I may return with another Volvo.I prefer an S60 and standard. This little T5 I have can stomp most cars on the road and it is a lot of fun! I still have my Benz which I won't sell.

Maybe a mod can lock this thread.

 

Cool. Glad you conquered the issues. Hope things go well for you. They gave my wife 4 to 6 weeks to live in Nov '09. I understand.

 

The car has been sold. It went to a fellow I know and I cut him a fair price. I made all my money back and a bit more for my labour. I'd
consider another Volvo but a different model...S60 T5?! We shall see.\

In the meantime I'm waiting for the moolah and still driving it. I must admit ;it's a rocket ! Withthe new coilpack it's rock solid and pulls like crazy !