Yes, it looks like I finally have a major repair after 293,000 miles on the '96 855 Turbo. It's been a long run-8 yrs. Until now, it's been mostly minor items such as struts, shocks, front wheel bearings, a new drivers seat (leather wore out), etc. I diagnosed a leaking head gasket this weekend-oil in the coolant,fluid leaking out the head/block in the back, lower compression on cylinders 2 & 3 (95-100psi vs. 130 psi on the others). I could definitely attempt to do the repair after looking at my Haynes Manual, but do I really want to? What will go wrong next-tranny, etc? My question is this-how much would it cost to do-it-myself, or how much would it cost at an Indy shop or Dealer? I am asking those who may know. Thanks in advance for any help...

Larry

A 2 week vacation in Bermuda, for the Volvo dealer.
I just looked at Strandbergauto.com for their inventory. Around 100K miles = $1000 for a new turbo engine, tested. Still will need timing belt, etc. and a lot of labor to install. A used 854 can be had for around 2500 - 3000.

So, I guess it is either your labor + parts, or a new car. I would imagine around $1200 for an independent.

Klaus
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Please answer, we need to know if the advice is good or bad. The 164 has a new home, all I am left with are 2 turbos :)

Are you sure it is the head gasket? If your car has an oil cooler in the radiator the cooling element can spring a leak and have oil seep into the coolant.

I have done one on a 98 S70 GLT. It is quite a job and will cost you for gaskets, special sealant and a head redo. Also you need to replace the head bolts as they yield when torquing them. New manifold studs on the exhaust side also. It is a good time to change timing belt etc and even redo the PVC system. If you only do the head and nothing else I would extimate $400 to $500 and if you do everything I mentioned you will look at $1K.

Good experience if you like it,

dick

Dick,
Thanks for the prompt response. Yeah, difinitely looks like the head gasket based on coolant leaking foom the head/block junction around cylinder #3 on the back of the engine. Plus, the coolant in the resovoir is percolating like a coffee maker "big time". That, along with the loss of compression on cylinder's 2 and 3 point to the head gasket I would say...

Larry