Hi i am new to this volvo forum But my name is matt and i have has my 1997 Volvo S90 for almost 3 yrs and i love it. It is built like a tank. But recently my head gasket has decided to take the bottom out of itself and was wondering if there was anyone with any tips on hw to replace it. I have been a mechanic since i was 14yrs old and want to tackle it myself. So if anyone has any pointers cause I have never done one of these before. I am familiar with head gasket replacement just not how the valve cover removal works. I know you need a special tool and I have it on order through Snap-On and it cost a pretty penny to get it but I am just afraid of messing the engine up even more.

 

I did that job on my 97 S90 as well. Mark everything so you know how to put it back on time. Is a good 16 to 18 hours of work. I know there was some instructions online but I don't know the link. Google it I guess. I did the job with my dad and a mechanic friend told me a couple of steps but thats about it. Since your taking everythig apart, buy the timing belt kit and the cam seals and maybe resurface the head too. Good luck

 

I did a head gasket job on our S70 GLT. It is also a "white block" Volvo motor so some things are very much the same. You can get some information from my instructions. My timing belt instructions are from a 960 and will work perfectly for finishing up the timing.

If your water pump has ANY signs of leakage, you may want to replace that while you have the head off.

Head Removal and Installation, Volvo 850 / S70 Turbo B5234T, B5254T, Head gasket replacement, valve replacement.

Timing belt replacement instructions on a 1997 Volvo 960