Head gasket Labour : 10 - 12 hours normal?

Ghassan · Post by **Ghassan** » 13 Jan 2006, 16:48

Hi,

My 1998 S70 T5 Auto with 180000miles may require a head gasket. The labour quoted is 10 to 12 hours by one garage. Is this okay?

Ghassan · Post by **Ghassan** » 13 Jan 2006, 21:49

Since no one bothered answering, i will answer it myself. This will help those who look up this thread in the future long after I am gone.

I checked with the mechanic at the volvo dealer who agrees that on the turbo modelit will take 10 to 12 hours.

He also said I should have the head pressure checked and checked for warpage.

As for the valve guides and seals he said that it takes a specialist with preciesion equipment to check whether or not it they should be replaced.

He said that the engine will not suffer from lack of performance or longevity if the job is done right.

My car:
1998 S70 T5 Auto , 180,000miles exhibiting initial stages of gasket failure.

Post by **matthew1** » 13 Jan 2006, 21:58

I'd have answered if I had any idea, but I don't. Anyway, thanks for posting the answer.

Are you going to have the work done? Get a second opinion? Sell the car?

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 14 Jan 2006, 09:10

Just curious, what are they charging you for this replacment? I'm really sorry to hear that you're having to go through this. However, once it's done, you'll feel so much different. It's amazing to me how much my general attitude and outlook on life changes between when my Volvo is running great and when it has some kind of issue. I know we shouldn't be wrapped up in something so much, but it's just that way to me. Good luck and please keep us posted on how it goes.

Ghassan · Post by **Ghassan** » 14 Jan 2006, 15:43

Hi,

It is 10 to 12 hours of labour as you already know. The labour rate is $75/hour. The parts are btw $75 to $100.

thanks.
Ghassan.

Ghassan · Post by **Ghassan** » 14 Jan 2006, 15:51

matthew1 wrote:I'd have answered if I had any idea, but I don't. Anyway, thanks for posting the answer.

Are you going to have the work done? Get a second opinion? Sell the car?

Re: Second opinion:
I spoke to the mechanic who works at the volvo dealer. He said I can expect a head gasket failure given I have 260,000km. He did caution me that it is a random failure after the car reaches 120,000km so there is also a possibility that it is not a head gasket failure.

Re: Selling car:
Most of my costs related to this car are those associated with scheduled servicing (ex. engine oil, alignment, ball joint wear, control arm wear, shock stops, transmission oil, filters).

Unscheduled reparation is this:
Air pump: $500 total
Door hinges: $ 250 (both sides)
ABS module: $700
Radiator: $500
Heater core thermostat
And some other stuff i am too lazy to write about.

So, yes, I will keep it.