I was planning on take the intake off to inspect and clean the PCV system. Before getting much unbolted, somebody said that my problem could in fact be a blown head gasket. How much more work is that? This is my first Volvo and I am not used to
all the extra systems and hoses compared to my previous cars. My Volvo is a 1998 V70 with a turbo. I have already replaced the rear exhaust cam seal. Had an oil leak, which from what I have read, sounded like a PCV problem. I do not have the money
to take it to a shop to do the work, and I like to work on things myself, but fear that this may be too big of a job for me. I bought a Haynes manual to help but it sounds very complicated from what it sounds like. Need some suggestions.

Thanks!

 

Servicing the PCV isnt that bad for one who is mechanically inclined. All the pcv stuff is right under the intake, which is not hard to take off but I recommend making sure you have a 1/4" universal joints laying around for reach the bolts, esp the one near the thermostat. The bottom bolts on the intake do not need to come all the way out.

 

Before you take your car apart you need to make sure what you are doing is going to fix it -

What are your car problems, and why does someone think it could be a head gasket? Head gaskets usually only fail after a overheating event - which on a car that old has likely happened (radiator, heater core, hoses, etc have failed by now)