Friday I am buying another 850 with a known broken timing belt. The car has 141K on it. In purchasing this car should I just replace the engine which I can get USED for around $500 or, Dissect the engine and rebuild (probably some valves maybe some guides). I have the knowledge to do either the swap or get the head rebuilt... but haven't been 'inside' Volvo motors...I am sure some of the experts here have faced this dilemma and this road has been crossed hundreds of times before...

What should I do? Oh and don't tell me, it is up to you, and my opinion matters etc...For guys with experience "What would you do?"

Thanks again...

 

You really cannot know for sure till you get in there. Depending on how bad it is. If a guide is damaged throw the head away. They only offer Bronze guides for these heads and they wear out really fast. The OEM ones are way better. So if one is cracked or broke I would find a used head or drop a motor in.

 

Tech, In MOST cases, I know each one is different but in the largest number of cases do the valves break? Or do we find other issues, HOLES IN THE PISTONS, or Cracked Valve guides? Just trying to 'get a feel' for what I am jumping into...

Thanks again

 

Sorry to say but again it depends on factors again I hate to keep saying it like that. But if it was at an idle then you should be fine they should just be bent with minor dents in the top of the pistons that does not have any affect with the car running with a new head.

If they were doing like 60 to 70 MPH then I would say you will find it like the pictures I have below. The valve will be laying on the top of the pistons and maybe even stuck halfway through the top of the piston.

And to see the guides good you have to pull the valves.

 

I agree with Tech in as much as you need to evaluate the collateral damage first.A competent machine shop is crucial in the rebuild process.All of that in place, I say pull the head and enjoy the hunt!