I purchased a lower mileage (130k) 1996 960 and it was slightly overheating I was told. Well...there is some steam and vapors coming from the dip stick when removed when the engine is running. Slight white smoke at times from tail pipe and the coolant will go down quite quickly now. At 106k the timing belt, water pump, etc was replaced. Looks like the head gasket has given away somewhere. I don't know if anyone has tried the "miracle in a bottle" bars instant head gasket repair stuff - those metal shavings type liquid you add to oil or something. Any luck with that stuff??

I purchased a head gasket set and will look for a Haynes manual at the library. Is there DIY guide on here anywhere. I did a search and read that someone said there was a good one post, but I couldn't located it. Only a 5-cylinder N/A engine one. Looking for 2.9 I6 specifically.

If there are some torque specification too I'd like to have those handy.

Thank you!!!

 

Check thru my postings -- I have uploaded and provided links to Shop Manuals

 

There are a few threads on the 960 head gasket I read a couple of years ago. I'll look for them. There is not much difference between the I5 and I6 motor when it gets down to the nuts and bolts. I would guess that you could use the 850 instructions to do the job if you wanted to. Likely better than the Haynes manual with all the pics and all.

Here is my somewhat abandoned attempt to do some instructions for the 850 turbo, mainly aimed at the head gasket without other bells and whistles. I have been planning to finish them for a month.
Head Gasket Replacement, Volvo 850 / S70 Turbo

Another member did a head gasket on a 960 last week, I'll try to get him to chime in.