Update! (and more questions....) The meat: How are the cam followers to be installed? (I know oil and drop them in.) Where do the spring-y ones go? Where do the non-spring-y ones go? I've got red (high temp) RTV to use to put the top cam cover on. Is this a no-no? The potatoes: The head is back fro...

Thanks all for the input. I'm doing all the labor myself sans the recon'ing the head. I've already spoken with Birmingham Cylinder Head Exchange (been around a long time and "very familiar with these engines"). I plan to drop the head off at there for an estimate this week. Preferably, I w...

Ok...there's hope. I looked at some replacement pistons online and didn't see any impressions, so I just figured the tops were gouged. Pics to follow...

Thanks for all interest and replies! Update - Did the compression test. Let's just say...I quit at cyl # 4. The head is off and the situation is catastrophic. 6 valves are stuck open. There are witness marks on all of the them...and the pistons. So, I'm now trying to make a decision here. 1) drop $1...

Project Blue Diamond - 1998 Volvo S70, NA The meat: Replaced timing belt due to (mechanical) tensioner failure. I got everything lined up as it should, turned the engine by crank 4 cycles, confirmed the marks, checked the belt tension, and tried starting the car... which it didn't. The sound the eng...