We're the second owner of a 98 S70 with 180k miles that we absolutely love. About a year ago, our mechanic told us the car was "local only" because sooner or later, our head gasket would blow completely. Later has come.

The car can't make it very far at all now before overheating and we can't decide if we should part with the car or not.

Our local Volvo mechanic tells us that he can replace the head gasket for around $1500. With that comes a 12 month guarantee of his work. We know the service history of this car very well and can truthfully say that this problem (big though it may be) is the only real problem we've had with the car. In addition, we only need a car to drive around in town - a 20 mile range is sufficient.

The question is...

Should we pay to have this work done, or should we send our beloved car to her grave and put the $1500 toward another used Volvo?

Specifically, I'd love to hear from other owners who have had a head gasket replaced and if it's been successful.

Many thanks,
Ryan

Disclaimer: I know almost nothing about cars - so if you ask me a question, please don't take my knowledge for granted. :)

 

I havent replaced the head gasket on a volvo before but its not to complicated its just the time thats the main factor. Its just a labor intensive project and thats why the lost is so high. The parts are no more than 100 bucks and the labor is the rest of it. Is this a 2.3 turbo or 2.4 na motor? I just actaully purchased a 98 s70 T5m with 121k.

 

I've (lightly) researched the implications of taking apart the engine. It is not for the faint of heart and has considerable (read expensive) downside risks if not done with great care. The upside is that it provides the opportunity to clean up a number of components that would otherwise be too expensive to examine. I would ask your mechanic to quote you doing the full reconditioning and then give you a quote on just putting in a new reconditioned engine. As far a selling you chariot, from what you describe, I would not part with it unless the cost exceeds $3K or even $4K.

 

Honestly, the question SHOULD be "How much do YOU like your S70"? If you like the car enough then I would say get the head gasket done and while you are there maybe replace a few items while puting it back together like a new timing belt,etc... Since you have it apart and essentially have a new car! $1,500 bucks is relatively cheap in comparison to dropping $1,500 bucks as a down payment and then making payments for 5 years. If it was mine I would get the gasket replaced and drive the heck out of it! Either way, Good Luck!

 

If you decide to do the head gasket make sure your shop will also replace the water pump and thermostat, because of the overheating issue.

 

I would probably replace the engine first, before going with a head gasket repair.
1500 will easily find you a 2.4 and have it installed. I mean do you really want to put a head gasket on a engine with 180k? go find another engine at www.car-part.com. I located good low mile engines for 700 and you can usually get an engine installed for about 500.

keep the car running and good luck with the repair

 

I think it depends on the history of the motor! For example, my engine block has always had new oil every 3,500k with full synthetic. If my motor had to be replaced, I would rather use mine and rebuild over some other that I might not have previous history!

 

I have an S70 with 172,000 miles on it. Just dropped $1200 for a bunch of front suspension work(most of the parts were the original!) and $300 for the Turbo hoses. Would do it again in a heartbeat as I also know the history of the car. To me it would be like getting rid of Grandma just 'cause she needs new hips!
And, for what it's worth, my 19 year old just drove the S70 from Texas to Indiana at 70 - 80 MPH the whole way(w/o our knowledge) and it never skipped a beat. So yours may have more life in it than you think. See what service is in the near future (timing belt in 20,000 miles for instance) to help make your decision.

 

If you find a shop that will install a used long block for $500 that would be a heck of a deal! your looking at at least 12-15 hours labor, so if you know of any shops that are $35 an hour that is the best deal. Now on to a realistic point of view. Your engine block is probably fine. I have only replaced engines because of excessive over heating or clogged oil sumps because of extended oil changes. If neither of these issues pertains to you, than I would not hesitate to put a head gasket on. By the way my 1998 S70 turbo has 298K on the original turbo and engine.

 

I am likely looking at the same repair. Did you ever get a quote on this repair? My engine has never once overheated, just steam and condensation from my exhaust and the #3 cylinder is spotless where all the rest have carbon buildup.