Sorry, from here we can't see US links. What I have is an extended 3/8" socket with a shaft that is about 4" or so long which is just long enough to clear the head.

Neil.

How in the heck do you get past that line on the right T40 torx on the thermostat? I tried my socket with extension and bit and no way. I'm looking at ordering one of these -- one is a Klein which is nice but wondering what you use to get access to that screw? https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005...

Prices vary across the country, but I'd guess a shop would be in the $1800 range. A few other bits and pieces have to be purchased as well to do the job, plus there is the potential for " job creep ", so keep that in mind. Guessing again, but you could probably do it yourself for around $3...

The most important is finding a shop you trust and is not afraid of Volvo's. They are not any more difficult to work on but many general independent shops suddenly become stupid when working on them. Mission creep is always the issue. If the water pump and timing belt should get done while in there ...

Heater would still work, even with a small leak. Check under the drivers side carpet for moisture. You could just add a second hose clamp along side the existing one, and that would most likely stop it from coming off. Only problem is that the pressure might then blow something else out that isn't a...

Blowing a hose off doesn't really fit with any other explanation - it's the head gasket, I'd give it a 99.9% probability. That combustion gas testing will make the call however, not some goon on the internet! Totally agree it's in the $2k range at a shop. Parts cost for the DIY route is more like $6...

If you do it twice you sure are faster on the second pass. And the parts are FreeCP!

Boiling coolant when the cap is opened is normal on a hot engine. The system uses both coolant mix and pressure to prevent coolant boilovers

I used one of the RELD test kits and the fluid stayed as blue as BB King. N I C E. After the engine was about 208 or so I think, I revved it and coolant came through and even partially melted that test tube. So naturally the color changed, but up till I did that it was always a steady blue. Tried t...

I just looked up RELD and it looks like a beer or wine making air lock. I used a tester from the auto parts store and it had the rubber pump that sucked air from the coolant tank. I think the results from these blue fluid testers are not always accurate. I did the blue fluid test on mine and it pass...