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Thinking about buying an 850 that needs a new engine

Help, Advice and DIY Tutorials on Volvo's P80 platform cars -- Volvo's 1990s "bread and butter" cars -- powered by the ubiquitous and durable Volvo inline 5-cylinder engine.

1992 - 1997 850, including 850 R, 850 T-5R, 850 T-5, 850 GLT
1997 - 2000 S70, S70 AWD
1997 - 2000 V70, V70 AWD
1997 - 2000 V70-XC
1997 - 2004 C70

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wheelsup
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Thinking about buying an 850 that needs a new engine

Post by wheelsup »

Just curious if I buy it would anyone like to help me (via the internet) create a DIY w/ pics for replacing the engine? I am thinking about buying it but have never done such a large job before, so I would need help, but would also like to document it.
1995 850 GLT Wagon w/ 200,000 miles

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phils94850
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Post by phils94850 »

If i was closer id help, i think it would be great to have a step-by-step on motor replacment..
1996 Platinum Edition

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RobTheModd
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Post by RobTheModd »

1. better not be paying over a grand for the car...
2. idk id just make sure all the holes have things plugged into it when i put it in. im sure you can find one somewhere.
did you try the repair database,
or even try over at Volvospeed

jblackburn
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Post by jblackburn »

I've never done an engine swap myself, but I'd like to help you along in any small amount I can. Even just documenting and doing a write-up if that's what you need help with. :mrgreen:

I'm in and out of Durham every 2 weekends or so - if you actually decide to go ahead with this, I'd be glad to stop by and help!
'98 S70 T5
2016 Chevy Cruze Premier


A learning experience is one of those things that says, "You know that thing you just did? Don't do that."

mercuic: Long live the tractor motor!

wheelsup
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Post by wheelsup »

He wants $300 for the car. If the interior is in decent shape w/ relatively low miles (ie not over 150k or so) I might buy it.

The engine seized when it ran out of oil. Said it had a "larger leak than I thought". Sounds like a RMS. Anyway the engine itself is toast so no rebuilding. This might be fun. The exterior looks decent, if anything I might buy it and take off the spare parts like the MAF, fuel pump, etc. etc. and let a junkyard have it after that.
1995 850 GLT Wagon w/ 200,000 miles

C@lvin
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Post by C@lvin »

This is exactly what I'd like to do and have considered. So far, I haven't taken the leap because either 1) Time, 2) Money, and 3) I don't have a good place to do the work at my house. If you decide to do it, I will definitely follow your exploits and help in any way I can though I've never done anything this extensive before.

I do have a Harbor Freight coupon for a 1 Ton shop crane for $99.99 ("reg" price of $179.99) that I can send to you (it says it's valid until 02/20/10) and I got a flyer in the mail yesterday that had their 1 Ton engine stand for something like $39.00. I don't know how useful the engine stand would be, but I wouldn't want to try to do an engine swap without the crane....PM me if you want the coupon.

Good Luck!
Calvin
98 S70
00 V70
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anmartin44
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Post by anmartin44 »

it's funny you bring this up cause i have a 94 n/a that's sitting and waiting for a new engine. i bought it in december 08 hoping to get to it in the summer...yeah right. but it has 150k and the same MO as the one your looking at. owner ran it out of oil and seized it up. has brand new stereo and everthing work electrically. i'm am supporting you 100% to do this project for selfish reasons! i'm hoping to do mine this summer.

good luck and i hope to help out if i can.

andrew
1994 850 na green 187k on body, 275k on motor(backwards?), unrestricted airbox, 960 TB, persus wheels, Lowered, IPD poly upper and trans mounts.
1974 144 k-jet m40 satin black, 250k on body, 25k on rebuilt motor(running...usually)

polskamafia mjl
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Post by polskamafia mjl »

Definitely go for it. Anything I can do to help I will!
'All my money is gone and I have an old Volvo.' - Bamse's Turbo Underpants

Current: 1995 Volvo 850 T-5R Manual - Bringing it back from the brink of death
Previous: 1996 Volvo 850 GLT - Totaled

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RobTheModd
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Post by RobTheModd »

Hey your in NC! do me a huge favor.. if you go to part it out let me know. and def let me know the color of the exterior.

mirae1
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Year and Model: 850, 1994
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Post by mirae1 »

I did an engine/tranny swap on my '94 shortly after purchasing it. The hardes thing about it was the bloody wiring harness with the bolting up of the A/C unit a close second ( I had unbolted it and let it hang to avoid discharging it). It is a tight fit on the way in and out but I was able to do it myself in a weekend. Only to find the new set had a rear main leak so I had to split pull it back out and fix that the following weekend..

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