I called Edgecombs (local volvo shop) today and about my water in the oil/white smoke.
they say $3K to replace the gasget, more if the head needs to be rplaced. The car is worth $6K when it looks it's best ('99 XC70 AWD). I fear that the engine is damaged (I heard mechanical knocks at start-up after my radiator blew) so I will be wasting this cash. I have seen rebuilt engines on e-bay for $2,300 plus $225 shipping and may go this route as my summer project. Anyone change out a XC70 engine before. Any thoughts on my thought process.
Thanks,
Kejjn

 

I don't think I'd go there, what may start as a 3k exercise will most probably cost 4k+, thats like 60+% of the cars value, you may be wasting your money, even if you go the rebuilt engine, thats like $2,600 shipped,
labour would cost a fortune, then you would have all the bits and pieces, new radiator $$$$$ WOW realistically it could end up costing a fortune.
Its your call, but i don't think i would sink that much money into a car worth 6K not unless i RRRREEEEAAALLLLLLLYYY loved it.
If you want to take it on yourself as a project, that would save you money!!
I guess that a lot of software upgradres would have to be done, as you would get a christmas tree on start up, that would mean a trip to the dealer $$$, as i'm quite sure that Volvo only have the appropriate software.

Good luck
v70 2.4t

 

All valid points. Thank you.
I must add that I have no doubt I can replace the engine myself and look forward to it as a summer project. But you bring up a good point about the christmas tree. What kind of things would cause it? I mean I would use the same computer, time the engine the same, all the same sensors. Has anyone attempted changing their engine? What kind of things need to be done?

I am going to take the head off myself anyway to inspect. The gasgets will be about $100 on e-bay and from there I can see if the head is warped and get it cleaned up. I already changed the oil and there was no water/antifreeze at all in it so I may do the work myself, set a cut off of $600, put the head back on and do a compression check and go from there.

 

I suppose i'm trying to say that the cars are quite tempremental!!, sensor's, vaccumm lines Etc....
I once changed my brake pads and got a light.
I can't imagine changing out a complete long motor, and not getting a christmas tree..
You may be lucky, it may all go smooth, only way to find out is change it out and keep us posted,
I'm just letting you know what you MAY be in for.

good luck
v70 2.4t

 

Thanks. I will post again this summer.

 

Good luck with the Job.

V70 2.4t