'95 850 spark plug cover screws

Paddler · Post by **Paddler** » 31 Jul 2012, 16:23

Within the last week I've been losing coolant with no evidence of a leak anywhere. Wanted to check the spark plugs to see if I may have a head gasket problem. Four of the cover plate screws came out with no problem. The other two seem to be stripped inside the screw head. What is the best way (or any other way) to get them out so I can get at the plugs?

neworleans · Post by **neworleans** » 31 Jul 2012, 23:07

I had the same problem when I did mine PVC. I cracked the cover at between the screw and the motor edge then pulled it out. Before you do this, try to cut the screw head with a metal saw and make a straight slot to be able to turn with a big screw driver.

Post by **erikv11** » 01 Aug 2012, 00:34

I agree, cutting a slot across the screw head is good advice. Best tool for that is going to be a Dremel with a cutoff wheel, if you can access one.

Post by **rspi** » 01 Aug 2012, 08:05

Why do people tighten those screws?

Nitrate · Post by **Nitrate** » 01 Aug 2012, 08:10

rspi wrote:Why do people tighten those screws?

Aluminum head and long time sitting there

Post by **rmmagow** » 01 Aug 2012, 09:07

Second thing I did after I bought my car was to remove and anti-seize those screws. I don't think they need to be crazy tight anyway.

KlubMarcus · Post by **KlubMarcus** » 02 Aug 2012, 19:48

rmmagow wrote:Second thing I did after I bought my car was to remove and anti-seize those screws. I don't think they need to be crazy tight anyway.

I didn't bother putting the spark plug "Volvo" cover back on. It just gets in the way during inspection and maintenance. It's mostly for looks. Anybody want to buy a high-mileage OEM spark plug cover with rusty OEM Torx screws? All original from the factory. Ha Ha!

Post by **cn90** » 02 Aug 2012, 22:50

1+,

I still have the cover on but thinking about getting rid of it.

SimLyons · Post by **SimLyons** » 02 Aug 2012, 23:12

Volvo, as well as just about every car/engine manufacturer hire "Industrial Designers" to take a perfectly fine and accessible engine (from a mechanic's perspective) and make it look sleek and hide all those ugly filters, belts and hoses. You can easily see it now (for the past 20 years) engine design has devolved to the point where in some risiculous models you pay BIG $$$ just to change oil. Once case in point: No dipstick on certain Volvo (and other) transmissions. Why would you need an ugly dipstick when the trans is lubed for life. WHOSE life you might ask? I still don't have an answer but I do know more than one genuine Volvo dealer that won't change the fluid even on request. The owner's manual says so. This is a great way to sell transmissions (and any other rotating lubricated part) where it is stated no service is required.

I know. I got off the topic a bit. (I just bought a new set of screws for my cover. After 15 years they were a little too worn and loose with the torx driver)

Post by **rmmagow** » 03 Aug 2012, 09:46

My neighbor came over and asked if I could look at his Audi for him. WOW, nothing under there that even resembles a motor! I told him I'd probably only break something trying to dig into the car a bit. Probably has no tranny dipstick either. Have to admit though, nice and clean looking under there what you could see.