V90 1998 blown head gasket dealer says - how long do I have?

poconoored · Post by **poconoored** » 08 Jul 2010, 09:34

Not having experienced this before (have read through threads here), am wondering how long or miles I have left on the V90 w/165,000 mi., what further symptoms to look for, and best strategy.

After having dealer coolant flush prior for 1400 mi. trip over 10 days, lost coolant from Max to Min in reservoir. (prior to trip had lost same volume per week x 3 weeks) Took back to dealer and they said heater hoses needed replacing (after pressure test, presumably), which i did. Over the next week lost Max to Min again. Took back to dealer again, and again pressure test shows blown head gasket w/small external leak (can't tell if in oil yet).

Believe it was blown before heater hoses, but must move on. We believe it evolved from incident 3+ years ago when another dealer changed thermostat/hose, and radiator went south (presume due to bad connection and sloppy force applied. Have had no white smoke aware of, or other apparent symptoms apart from coolant loss. Oil appears normal. On advice of long-time indy volvo mechanic (even though know it could 'go' any time)on another trip (presume last one) of 2,000 miles. Finished first leg with only loss of 3/4" coolant level in reservoir.

Looking for new car (really do like the V90-maybe stick to local), but wondering what will come next symptom-wise, and options other than $2,500 rebuild, or pour-in. I cannot do the work (ADHD, cardiac) so would have to farm to indy mechanic but still too $$$. Any prognostications, advice welcome.

Best...

DeRail · Post by **DeRail** » 09 Jul 2010, 10:04

Hey there, sorry to hear about your HG issues,

someone will correct me if I'm wrong but I think that your main issues to watch out for if you're going to continue to use the vehicle are catastrophic loss of coolant or oil. There's also a possibility that you'll lose significant compression if the crack gets worse.

I'm not sure of any other options other than the ones you've listed... most will agree that the pour-in stuff is snake oil, but it may be worth a shot if you're going to drive this engine until it dies, and then get a new Volvo.

Sorry for the grim predictions,
Darrell

poconoored · Post by **poconoored** » 12 Jul 2010, 11:57

Thanks for the info, grim as it is.

Two quick questions - does the pour-in stuff make subsequent repairs impossible or more difficult? Any one pour-in more likely to work (granted they may be snake oil)? [used volvo parts staff said a person got one more year w/it - the one for which you have to purge system 3 times before using, i think they said]

regards...

DeRail · Post by **DeRail** » 15 Jul 2010, 06:32

I've never used the pour-in products so I can't really make a recommendation for one over the other.

I don't believe subsequent repairs would be impossible. However, from what I've read, any of the stop leak products can run amok with the cooling system. When and if you do have the HG replaced on the car, you'll be replacing the water pump and related cooling components so you shouldn't have a problem, but the radiator would have to be flushed too, I'd imagine. So, I don't think it would make things impossible, just when the repair is to be done, it will be a little more involved.

Thanks,
Darrell

philipfred · Post by **philipfred** » 18 Jul 2010, 08:22

My most recent experience with the blown head gasket symtom turned out to be the death nell. I had the 1999 V 70 and was truly impressed with it, that 5 cyl turbo would get right with the program when you wanted it but........... boy did that car cost money to keep alive every month after 100K it seems that thing was eating up $500 in repairs then finally the water level sensor in the overflow tank quit and of course ,you don't know that untill its too late .It developed a water leak at highway speeds and while cruising along one day we wondered"what is that weird howling noise? ooops too late. Out here in Ca. the best price was $3700.00 for the head R&R plus, as long as your gonna, you'd might as well, timing belt ,water pump, idler bearing etc,etc,etc $ 5669.00 . lasted 38000 mile and # 4 cyl went down hard. Sold the car for 800 bucks and glad to be rid of it. I love Volvos had 7 to date and am keeping the 1992 740.
Back to your issue, if you are having head gasket issues and you plan to keep it get that head repaired BEFORE!!! you overheat it once you overheat an aluminum engine its all but over for it. I would steer clear of sealants they will clog up small ports in the emmission control stuff and bake onto the internal surfaces reducing the thermal contact of the metal to coolant.

Post by **billofdurham** » 18 Jul 2010, 11:39

+1 on philipfred's post.

Pour in stuff can work but does cause more problems in the long run.

A small leak in a head gasket can only get worse and the longer you leave it the more it will cost to repair. If you go with a head gasket replacement now, the head will need to be skimmed. This is a given. If you put it off until the gasket goes completely you could well be looking at a new head.

Bill.

Post by **JDS60R** » 18 Jul 2010, 12:00

I haven't heard definitive proof that your head gasket is leaking.
Any idea why a uv dye,leakdown or combustion gasses test hasn't been done yet?

Taking for granted that it is a head gasket. I agree- it could go at any time. Once the gasket lets a good amount into the cylinder the whiteblock motors tend to crack cylinders across the centerline. Many of the heads go south but a few do live.

If it were mine I would have the tests done and locate the leak. Then have the gasket done and enjoy it for a few more years if the rest of the car is in good order. If not - trade it in and enjoy life with your next car.

If the gasket is leaking a professional should do the leakdown test while applying monitored pressure to your cooling system. This allow them to see the slightest in the cooling system pressure during the test. I mention this as 100psi against a bad head gasket can get you to a completely failed HG very quick. A pro might put 22 psi on the cooling system and 35 psi in cylinder to check for leaks into the cooling system. Its much easier on a failing gasket .

Sorry to hear of your health issues.

RCR · Post by **RCR** » 20 Jul 2010, 22:45

My 98 V-90 had basically the same symptoms. The coolant would drop on a road trip and also many times I had pressure the next morning in the tank even when it was completely cold. Fire her up with the cap off and let it run for a few. Are there bubbles showing up in the coolant tank? if so yep blown head gasket or cracked head. We did a head gasket on mine and she has been fine since. That was right at 150000.