I posted a while back regarding my 97 850 non-turbo. Got around to pulling the head off the other weekend then finally heard back from a local shop that they want around 1500 to rebuild the head, all 20 valves were bent, you could actually see their impact on the pistons, four small grooves on each piston. I have a parts car with 190k miles on the engine, but engine seems to run really strong. It seems I have a few choices, but I'd like to hear from you all on the best route to proceed.

1... Call the boy's ranch and have them come and pick up both vehicles.
2... Spend the money to have the head rebuilt.
3... Pull the head off the other engine and swap them out.
4... pull the entire engine out of the parts car and swap them out.

If I do decide to rebuild or swap just the head, how do I confirm that the camshafts were in the right location when removed, supposing that the belt broke, jammed the valves, etc, how can I ensure that the camshafts are in proper location when putting the engine back together.

Thanks for any input... I'm in the Milwaukee area ifanyone know of any good Volvo mechanics up here?

all best,

Michael

97 850
02 jetta v6

 

I would just swap the motors at this point that might just be the fastest and easiest. Also cheaper it you do it your self.

 

+1 to tech,
If you plan to replace the head, there is a procedure in the link below to align the cams to the right position.
http://volvospeed.com/Repair/timingbelt.php

 

Since you can see damage to the pistons I would just swap engines also. Then you can just part-out whatever is left.

 

The volvospeed pages that show the timing belt change was an OUTSTANDING resource when I did that procedure myself. Much better than a CHilton/Haynes manual.

 

Just had a very similar issue...I chose to swap the head. My issue was my base car was very clean in and out, and the parts car, well it was just that a parts car...but it ran...The job itself wasn't to bad, although I did find a problem in my base car because it had a problem the seller didn't mention...coolant leak. But you will not have that issue.

So, the easiest and less costly thing for you to do is to follow tech...swap the motors...if you are making to look for some fun out of a project well...that is another story...GL

 

Thanks guys, and that link was great, though I think I'm pretty much sold on swapping the engines out altogether. I picked up my head from the shop. Unfortunately my parts car is pretty much locked in place under a few inches of snow, and I doubt if we'll make it above 10 degrees this week,so looks like I'll be waiting until the spring before I can do the full engine swap. Forutnately, my uncle, who's a pretty good mechanic, alsodoesn't mind working forbeer, so it should keep my costs down anyway. If I can figure out how to post pics here I'll take a few shots of the engine carnage if anyone has an interest.

Apart from a rear main seal (I'll be sure to order 2, maybe even 3 from looking at previous posts!), and some lupus, are there any other items I should give attention. I've owned this car for over a year, driven it for less than 200 miles, and all told spent nearly 5K on it, and it isn't even leather heated seats, ugh...I want to make sure its still running when my still unconceived child reaches 16!

Thanks again for all of your input...

 

Maybe replace the Vent box and parts while the motor is out.