Ok last update.. there is oil coming up the dipstick when I rev it. I don't know if thats part of the pcv issue or they overfilled the oil...

 

You can tell if the oil has been over filled by simply shutting the car off and checking the oil.

A clogged PCV can blow the oil dip stick out. I mentioned that in one of my videos.

 

Oh, the hard shifting under load is likely weak, torn, bad mounts.

 

So much stuff in this thread I keep remembering things. You should never open the coolant reservoir with the car hot/warm.

It is common for the coolant reservoir to leak at the bottom. The tank just lifts off so you can see the bottom of it.

 

I might trust your gut here. Nice 850Rs with current documented maintenance can be had in the 4-5 grand range if you are patient.

If the PCV is totally shot, this created a lot of internal pressure inside the engine, which likely weakened your seals. Which ones it weaked you won't know until they start leaking. Sounds like that's happening already. If the main seal blows, that's a $1,000 job, on top of the $650-750 the PCV service will cost unless you DIY.

The AC system is not something you want to see bad on a prospective 850. It's usually the compressor or evaporator. The former is expensive and the latter is buried. Either way it's a $1k-ish job.

When they did the timing belt, did they replace the tensioner, water pump and pulleys too? Those can freeze up and cause failure too. In fact, some would say that's more common than a broken belt. May be safe to replace those now. Kiss $800 goodbye there.

I doubt that coolant in the crankcase will be cured by the PCV replacement, even if that caused it (which I highly doubt). My guess is that's something else entirely, very possibly a blown head gasket or, worse, a cracked or warped block or head.

$6-800 for maintenance? Yeah. I suspect you'll be putting a zero behind the 600 to get this one to where it needs to be. Not to be negative here but this underscores why it is always better to pay a little more up front, or to wait until you can. I'd just hate to see you learn the hard way. Trust that gut!

 

Well I went ahead and bought it. I took it in to get looked at - It passed compression, they did an oil change and there is no coolant in the oil. They said the only leaks were in the coolant reservoir and from oil coming up the dipstick.

They said(in a written contract) if the dipstick is still smoking in a few days after the oil change(which I'm sure it will) they will fix the PCV system, as well as get the cooling fan replaced. 30 day warranty on the engine.

I know I'm still taking a little bit of a risk. I've been looking at cars for a while and everything sub 2 grand has had major issues. This is actually the best running car I've come across. I figure I'll take the risk and if something catastrophic like the head gasket blows I could probably still part it out or sell it for most of my money back.

Thanks for all of the advice and insight.. I'm sure you'll be seeing me around asking random questions.

 

Welcome to the wonderful world of Volvo lol. And to the site, this site basically help rebuild my 850 from the ground up so your in great hands. Never reset your trip meter well driving, it strips the odometer gear. But if it happens there's a tutorial for it, and anything else.

 

What he said, hopefully you don't need us for a long time.

 

Oh don't worry. I'm compiling a list of questions and will be making a new thread shortly.. haha

Hopefully I don't need you for anything MAJOR for a long time.

 

Sounds like you had your mind made up. In any case, welcome! These are great cars, and I think this is going to be a excellent learning experience for you, not just in dealing with old cars but in life. We'll be here awaiting your questions!

 

I think you have done well in obtaining that 30 day cover warranty for any pcv issues and getting the fan sorted.
The compression test probably confirms your head gasket is okay also and the lack of coolant in the oil when you had it replaced also shows promise.
Getting your 850 at that price and given your happy to have a bit of a project with her, in my opinion you have made a fairly well informed decision.
Good luck with her anyway and enjoy.

 

Just did this a few days ago and mine still works. I have heard that it can be the last reset.

 

We had a bad head gasket and a good compression test. It can be tricky but these cars simply do not usually blow a head gasket unless they are over heated, like any other car.

 

I frequently reset the tripmeter on my V40, usually after filling her up with petrol whilst moving or before a trip.
Have done it with all our past vehicles both mechanical odo and digital types without any issues ever.

 

I think the most important thing is to not reset it while the car is moving.