Borrow a compression tester NOW as suggested, check out a few of RSPI videos on Youtube, and see what you have BEFORE you do anything more. Otherwise, you will be tossing good money and lots of time, after bad. What I learned early on working on these cars is to eliminate worst case possibilities fi...

120 bucks is a lot. 35 bucks from salvage. If using sealer hit the 4 corners hard and clean well, I expect it's the corners where the leak(s) are. Might get it done for a few bucks. Seal well around the bolt insert areas. Don't over tighten or you will crack the housing.

Step back a bit and think basics and don't get lost in the possibilities. After warming, unplug each wire from it's designated spark plug and listen for arcing, see if car runs obviously on one less cylinder. You may have done this. Then as suggested in other posts go directly to compression test. B...

If you can afford it go OE on this one as well.
https://www.ipdusa.com/products/5416/11 ... -1994-1998

I just did this, 12" rotors and bigger bracket. Didn't buy all the pieces in the kit, didn't need them. Fits fine under the 16" Perfos. Be aware the bigger brackets are SKANDIX not OEM Volvo which may again be NLA. I should have noticed. In their DIY video they use Volvo brackets. When I c...

Heater core can be subtle source for loss without obvious leaks. Mine just smelled a bit, residue around the fins, and very slow reservoir leak. I drove it for a year, everywhere, like that. As has been suggested, it would be reasonable to take a relaxed approach for a bit. When the problem declares...

Compression test soon, if not next. Did this come on abruptly?

I see it a little differently as a compression test is easy, quick and reassuring if the numbers are in spec. If they aren't, well then you have your findings to deal with. It's kind of a make or break point in your diagnostic algorithm, and takes less time than a tune up. When my compression number...

As Scott 850 has so aptly pointed out (more than once) the oil pan pick up tube O rings are highly suspect. Maybe you can check oil pressure? Let's assume we are talking about lifter tick and not some other origin noise. Classic symptoms are goes away with spirited driving (your oil pressure increas...

It's a reasonable job to pass on. I had someone do my last Volvo that needed said repair. I also passed on my head gasket, burnt valve and am glad I did, as a bunch of other stuff was discovered that needed attention along the way. We all need to cut ourselves a break and be okay with it.