I just acquired another "unknown", "no-can-fix" '99 S70 GLT. Fault code stated that cylinder #2 was misfiring. Replaced all spark plugs and checked coil packs...all good. Couldn't find a compression reading from either #1 cylinder and less of one on #2. Performed a Cylinder Leakage Test on just cylinders #1 & 2. Cylinder #1 was fine at 8% leakage, but #2 was at 30% leakage with no detectable sound of air through the intake or the exhaust nor bubbles in the coolant. Upon removing the dipstick and putting a flame to the dipstick tube, there was no air escaping from there either. However, when I removed the Oil Filler Cap, the underside of it was a "milky brown" color suggesting coolant in the oil. I performed a 'backyard' type of valve job in teeing a vacuum hose to the intake manifold and allowing about a quart and a half of water to be sucked into the combustion chamber, yet NO White "Smoke" appeared from the tailpipe. The vacuum gauge was around 17-18, but 'ticking' down as though a valve was stuck or carboned up. I also performed the old "Dollar Bill" trick to the tailpipe, whereby I held the Dollar Bill to the tailpipe while it was running and the $1 Bill was sucked back up into the exhaust pipe denoting (usually valve-train problems), but for those of us "in-the-know", it means Engine Mechanical Problems and to let that Puppy go...if you're buying it as is.

(By the way, this was a successful way back in the old days of knocking the carbon off the valves and cleaning the combustion chamber of deposits...used transmission fluid as well but when catalytic converters came into play...it was strictly water.)(The Dollar Bill thing is as ancient as I am as well)

So, #2 Cylinder is Dead, timing belt is new, but since my nephew bought it used...he's been having to add oil ALL the time. His Mom, my sister, caught him one time at three quarts low! Today when I first looked at it, it was only one quart low and that was added prior to me hooking up my scanner. The unusual part about having to add oil all the time is that the car is White, yet there's no visible signs of burning oil around the valance surrounding the rear tailpipe.(?) I expect the Cylinder Head will have to be pulled and one of three scenarios will be found.

1. Blown Head-Gasket
2. Cracked Head (usually between the valves)
OR
3. Cracked Block

Has anyone ever run into this situation before insofar as a mechanical problem dealing with a blown head gasket (that only affects one cylinder?) or am I looking at a new cylinder head or possibly an engine? I'm too olde to do Engine work anymore, but want an idea if anyone has run into this problem before, or could at least give me an idea as to the cost of a new cylinder head or possibly a new engine. It has 195K on it and I pulled "Volvo®" spark plugs out of it this afternoon.

Cost-wise, what's the various scenarios going to cost to be repaired? Remember, the fuel and fire are fine and yes, I know, not too many people have a Cylinder Leakage Tester in their tool box anymore... So I'm looking at the cost of replacing the head-gasket, the cost of a new head or the cost of a new engine...Parts & Labor. (or have I over-looked anything?)

Thanx in Advance,

~Stillin~

 

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