Dowels - What are they for?

munchkin · Post by **munchkin** » 05 May 2010, 08:27

Hi everyone

Just want advice on the purpose of a dowel for a V70 D5. Took car to garage and they've said there's a dowel missing. I desperately need my car. Is this a crucial part? What will happen if I drive the car with one dowel missing?

Post by **JDS60R** » 05 May 2010, 09:48

Hello,

There are several different parts that can be referred to as a "dowel". Can you help us out by telling us exactly where this dowel goes or does and what year your vehicle is. I have been looking in VADIS for you for a while and am unsure which piece you are speaking of.

The parts that can be called "Dowel" range from critical engine parts to a spring pin that aligns the brake rotor.

I would like to answer your question but need a little more information .

munchkin · Post by **munchkin** » 06 May 2010, 14:05

Apparently there are two dowels located on the cylinder head and one is missing. What happens if the cylinder head is built up with this dowel missing.

What is VADIS?

munchkin · Post by **munchkin** » 06 May 2010, 14:06

Forgot to say the car is a V70 D5 2008/2009

Post by **JDS60R** » 06 May 2010, 14:17

VADIS ( Volvo Aftermarket Diagnostic Information System) is the predessor to VIDA - which will cover your model.

If you have a 2008/2009 I would think you are under warranty and should return to the dealer.

The dowels or guide sleeves (Volvo) are placed in the block so that the head is aligned and the head gasket is properly placed.

I am unsure why the head is off of your motor but you should replace the guide sleeve if it is missing. It is possible to align the gasket properly without them but they serve as a physical lmitation to any vibrating movement of the head. They are designed with almost no play in them so the hold the head in exactly the right spot. The headbolts have more play in them and although they would hold the head down the relative movement of the head would be greater than with the guides and head gasket replacement would be expected sooner.

Post by **confused_al** » 06 May 2010, 14:44

munchkin wrote:Forgot to say the car is a V70 D5 2008/2009

Isn't your car still under Volvo's warranty?

munchkin · Post by **munchkin** » 07 May 2010, 01:20

Basically what's happened is that the mechanic who worked on it (who incidentally is a really good friend of mine!) did the initial work in building up the engine which was covered under warranty but as he fitted the cylinder head with a dowel missing (assuming it wasn't there in the first place), when he started the car up immediately heard a knocking noise and the engine has been damaged. It is now assumed that the damage caused was by this missing dowel which the boss is saying was found in one of the pistons. They are saying that he was negligent, caused considerable expense to the company (they replaced the engine) and put staff, customers and other road users in danger (the car never left the ramp!!). They are saying it is an extremely serious omission and he could lose his job over this. My question is "Is it really that critical" - what dangers could they be talking about. My friend also says that the engine could have been repaired but the boss has chosen to automatically replace it. Just trying to help a friend out in an awkward situation. The garage don't know that the mechanic is known to me and don't really know how to help him out - at the end of the day I get my car back but I just feel they are being really heavy handed here. What do you think?

Post by **JDS60R** » 08 May 2010, 21:19

I understand.

I doubt that the dowel in the combustion chamber would have hurt anyone as the motor would have just beaten it up while destroying the piston, head and crank. But had it gone out of the garage I would understand the concern.

It is an unfortunate mistake and I'm not sure if it occured becasue the dowel was in the head and it fell down as he placed the head or if it was in the block and he repositioned the head after setting it down on the block.

I am sure the dealer is upset as they are either out the cost of the motor or they had to file an insurance claim which will likely raise their future rates and lower their profits. If your friend has good credentials ASE , ASE Master etc. He should be ok if this is a one time thing. If the manager is going to hold it over his head for a while its best to find the next dealer for him to work at. Either way its a good time to start adding more credentails.

There may be feedback from the insurance company either now or at renewal time (depends how many issues the deler has had)as to how his continued employment would effect the inherent risk and therefore the policy cost. If they do not have any other issues like this then the rate increase should not be very large.

I'd ask how it happened but I'm not sure you are at liberty to say publically.