Well looks like my '95 960 has seen better days. Over the last few weeks I had to keep adding coolant as the level would go down pretty fast. My concern was I did not notice any coolant leaks so I prepared myself as I checked the dipstick and not to my surprise found a wonderful brown thick liquid on it. The car runs OK but I know that it has a serious problem. Now I'm needing to decide is a repair worth it. I have been quoted $1500 for a head gasket job. But again I'm not sure if that's all it is (maybe a cracked head or even block could be the actual culprit). I've also thought about buying a second 960 and swap engines. I enjoyed this car for the past 12 months and with a good engine it could be a good ride for several more years. What would you guys do if you where in my shoes? My budget is limited and I know that for the price of repairing this one I could not buy a descent car to replace it. If I can find a 960 with a good motor (maybe under 150K on it) plus some other parts I can pull off of it, then I can take my time this spring and do the swap.

 

Or you can buy a bottle of Blue Devil, follow the instructions to the letter and your HG problem will go away! The stuff is magic!

 

If heard about this product but a little concerned. First it tells you to remove radiator cap and pour it in. Well, as you know the 960 does not have a cap on the radiator, only on the expansion tank. So should it be poured in the tank? Also, will it harm (clog) the heater core? Tell me your experience.

 

I can't figure out how to post a new question! Sorry to butt in but can't figure any other way to get a clue.Thanks!

 

Dagaan, click on "new thread" and off you go

 

No, it doesn't tell you that! You have to take out the thermostat, flush the system, wait to cool completely, then add it to the cooling system! Doesn't matter that the 960 has the overflow bottle--pour the stuff in there... It works great--I have used it several times and it doesn't plug anything it's not supposed to. It works the best in cases such as yours, where the coolant is going into the oil. Just follow the instructions, change the oil and filter afterwards. Even if the head is cracked it will seal it. They guarantee it to work, or give you the money back. It's expensive for an additive, but worth it!

 

Is your oil level high, above the full mark? I would drain the oil into a pan and see if it's milky there. The coolant may be leaking out somewhere else and drying up before you find the leak.

There is no reason for a head gasket or block to crack if the car hasn't been overheated.

How many miles does the car have?

 

Yes the oil level is way over the full mark and chocolate brown in color. True, this car has not overheated since I've owned it for the last 12 months. I have not found the leak outside the engine. It has been cold and snowy here last several weeks and I don't have a garage to better inspect it. I believe that the coolant is going into the crankcase. I will drain the oil at the first chance I get and better inspect it. The car has 215k miles.

 

A HG can just let go. Doesn't happen usually but not unheard of. A lot of coolant going into the crankcase is a symptom. Take a compression test to make sure.

 

These white block motors are sneekey. Our S70 had a head gasket leak for over a year before I figured it out. Heck, it may have leaked for 3 years. Just got worse and worse. Ran very well. It was leaking combustion gases into the coolant chamber.

 

Thanks. I'm sure I'm missing something obvious but - I can't fine 'new thread' on either this page or the home page. One more clue please?

 

Dagaan.
Go to the main forum index page.
Select the forum most relevant and appropriate to your thread.
The NEW THREAD button is located at the top left frame corner of the selected forum topic list and also at the bottom left.
Click on that, and your away laughing.

 

Well after careful consideration and weighing my options I decided to junk the old brick. I was offered $400 and told the guy to get it the heck out of my driveway. Ended up buying a Lincoln Town Car to replace it. Love the Lincoln. Now that I no longer own a Volvo I will not be visiting the forum much so I'd like to once again thank all the members for the input and advice. Hope your ride drives straight down the rode and all the best to everyone..Peace out