Phil,

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I am keeping my mind open at I approach this problem. In my heart, I want to hold onto this red 850. 25 years since purchasing it, it still presents well and has been well maintained over the years. It is a "working" car, used day in and day out. I'm bracing myself for the cost of having the engine rebuilt, but I am also hopeful, that if the piston rings are not worn, maybe I can get away with just having the valves redone. My local mechanic has not examined the engine yet. The compression test was performed at another private garage located in Williamsburg, VA. To flush out my options, I will look around for a low mileage used engine, with a credible history. If I can't find one, and the piston rings are worn, then a full rebuilt make by the decision I make. Before I bring the car to my private garage, I am going to see if I can find good used engine to have it at the ready. The true condition of the engine
and the options available to me will not be revealed until the head is removed. Fortunately, I have spare Volvos, so I can take my time in getting the red 850 examined and fixed. It will be a "journey" and an "experience" for me. If I can get the red 850 fixed, I would not be adverse to driving it past the 500,000 mark and hopefully beyond. It's just a nice Volvo that is pleasure to drive and to look at. My daughter tells me how it draws compliments on campus all the time because of its age, appearance and the color red. I'll keep a positive outlook.

Hugh