My '96 850R has over 200K on it. Just found coolant in the oil and she's blowing the tell-tale blue smoke. Not good. So, I'm wondering if I should rebuild it or replace it? Does anyone have experience with this issue? What's the best source for a long block replacement?

Thanks

 

What are you goals with the car? If there's coolant in the oil, most likely blow head gasket, and you would wanna do rings and bearings right away too. How mechanically inclined are you? Both jobs would cost about the same, but it all depends what your up to. Read Bobec's engine rebuild progress thread. It's an extremely good write up and you'll get ideas on what you would be in store for if you rebuilt it.

 

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Thanks to Bobec

 

Hey Gilbert thanks. I'm still still hanging from that gutter. LOL

black adder... First it's just not worth it.. sell the car to me(it's totally worn out and junk) and move on to a better car. Hahaha just kidding.

It's really a matter of money and how long you see yourself keeping the car.

If you love the car( Can't imagine you don't love your Volvo) and want to drive another 200K Rebuild it!! If you think you can. Have you rebuild an engine before? I'll share with you everything I can (I'm no expert) about my mistakes and I'm sure others on the forum will offer advise when needed. In my humble opinion right around 200k is the window of opportunity with this motor. btw I found on line a PDF document that is like an engineering treatise of the 850GLT and it specifically mentions 200K of life. I'd love to post it somewhere on the forum.

My car is still getting better, No BS I'm absolutely amazed.

 

Haha, at first I was like WHAT?!?!

I agree, it totally depends on what it's worth to you. You could find a used motor for around 500 with decent miles on it, and an engine swap is easier than a rebuild, but it all depends on what you want out of the car.

Personally, when the time comes for me to build an engine, which it will one day rest assured, I will go all out and do rods and pistons as well, but that adds up real fast.

 

You guys are great. Thanks for the replies. Wow, Bobec, THAT is a ton of great info. Much appreciated.

My goal is to keep the car and drive it another 200K. The interior is perfect (except for the driver's side elcantara insert balling up like a cheap sweater) and the exterior is near perfect. I absolutely love the look and shape of these vehicles. Had two Rs for awhile. Sedan and wagon. Love 'em. Put on KONIs and Bilstein HDs with Eibach springs and a strut bar. Great cars. Sure would like to find a manual tranny in red or black, though.

As for the rebuild, it's within my mechanical abilities. However, it may not be within my time frame. Therefore, I may need to pay a local Volvo shop (and fellow R owner) to do the work.

Will make some more mods for sure. Heck, why not?

Thanks again!! Will keep posting here with questions, comments, etc.

 

If your going to have to pay someone to do the work of rebuilding it, then I would do a motor swap. That will save you a ton of money. I don't even want to know what the shop would charge you to have them pull a motor, rebuild it, and then put it back in. You can do an engine swap in a day. But it's up to you. Rebuilding the motor will make it last longer.

As for finding a manual, I don't know where you are, but if your in the states, there are no manual 850 turbos, never brought here. Canada there's a few. Best thing would be to do a manual swap.