Hi all. Have a 2000 s40 that just overheated in a big way. Smoking engine. Wouldn't start. Towed to garage and was given an estimate of $2600 to completely replace cylinder head gasket, timing belt, and water pump. Is this a fair price?

My lingering concern is what problems might lie beneath all this. Bought the car used for $3500. Is this even worth repairing?

 

$2600 is grand theft IMHO.

I must ask why it overheated and did it warp the head?

If the problem was a broken water pump with no head damage then replace the pump, timing belt, idler, and tensioner. These are available as a kit at several parts stores (local plus online like RockAuto) and also from Volvo specific places like FCP Groton or IPD. I've done this at home in my garage. It's not overly difficult with the right tools. The procedure is explained in the UK version of the Haynes Manual as well as other online places. FCP Groton wants $217 for the kit.

If your head is warped then a new head gasket won't help. You need the head shaved to make it flat or buy another used or rebuilt one. Now this is way more expensive but still less than a $1000 in parts with new gaskets and seals plus the timing belt kit.

If you cannot do the work yourself then shop around. Whether it's worth it or not is purely subjective. When I bent 8 exhaust valves on my 2001 I rebuilt it myself since I was giving the car to my 16 year old daughter. It was most worth it for me.

 

i agree with Hudini...I bought my s40 with a blown engine for 700 bucks....bought a used guaranteed motor for 700 and replaced it myself....well plus a couple bucks for two gaskets....if you can do it yourself go for it...if not get multiple quotes. there is actually a video on youtube that shows step by step how to change timing belt, ideler and water pump.