Rebuild or not?

TheWagles · Post by **TheWagles** » 28 Aug 2013, 18:54

My 94 850 Turbo has a blown head gasket. I have gotten a lot of great feedback on here about doing the repair myself however, I do not have the time or a place to do the work. A couple Volvo shops in the area have quoted me $1200-1400 to do the head gasket. My question is:

Should I go ahead and have a rebuild done as it seems they will be halfway there already?

I have found rebuild kits online for $600-$800.

Klausc · Post by **Klausc** » 28 Aug 2013, 19:14

It really depends on what the rest of the car is like and how much you are attached to it. If it also needs running gear work, rear suspension bushings, and other costly items to get it in top condition, you might want to consider what a mechanic will charge to make it safe and reliable.

A Volvo is a reasonable cost car if the owner is a willing shade tree mechanic. If you have to have a mechanic, the cost gets a bit too high for most of us.

Replacing a head gasket can take considerable amount of time for a novice like me and I would want to refurbish the valves and guides while the head is out. So a remanned head is worth it to me. Spending $1200-1400 just to repl the gasket is not worth it in my book. Not a 20 year old car with questionable leather seats and plausible AC.

But the 854T is a FUN car to drive, reasonably safe, comfortable seats, and windows you can actually see out of.

TheWagles · Post by **TheWagles** » 28 Aug 2013, 19:48

Thanks Klaus. I was reading on some older posts recommendations to go with the remanufactured head as well. I have found some 850T's online for sale running $3-4k. My concern is I could potentially run into the same problem with them. My thought process is by putting the resources into this one, I somewhat already know what I am getting into.

A buddy runs an auto hobby shop on base that is open one day a week for do-it-yourselfers. For issues such as brakes, timing belt etc. I can take the time out and do those things there. The key to using that facility is to be able to drive the car there and back. Thoughts?

Post by **JimBee** » 28 Aug 2013, 19:53

True, you could eventually need to make repairs to any used car. I assume that if you buy a hot rod it's probably been run hard. Does a "T" qualify? I guess that depends. If you can buy a clean one inside, outside and underneath for less than a $1000, assuming you otherwise check it out, you're probably off to a good start.
Take a look at this lineup of offerings from Volvo country USA (Minneapolis area).
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/searc ... k=&maxAsk=

Post by **cn90** » 28 Aug 2013, 20:00

The thing is most of these cars are now 15 years + old or more.
I bought my 1998 S70 with 145K for $2000, for my kids to go to high-school etc.

So you may want to pratical:
- Parts cost for HG job
- Time/labor involved etc.

It also depends on your mileage if your 94 850 Turbo has 120K, I'd say rebuild the engine.
If your 94 850 Turbo has 250K, I'd say junk it and buy a 98 S70 etc.

TheWagles · Post by **TheWagles** » 28 Aug 2013, 20:27

The car sits at 147k. My intent a couple years ago when I bought the car was for it to be a good second car and also the car my 17 yr. daughter will drive. I have not been in a position until now to put some money in it and get it where it needs to be. I do like it. I always said if I ever bought a foreign car, I would want one of these and was fortunate enough to get it for $1800. I may get an estimate from the local shop on a rebuild.

Klausc · Post by **Klausc** » 28 Aug 2013, 21:47

TheWagles wrote:My thought process is by putting the resources into this one, I somewhat already know what I am getting into.

A buddy runs an auto hobby shop on base that is open one day a week for do-it-yourselfers. For issues such as brakes, timing belt etc. I can take the time out and do those things there. The key to using that facility is to be able to drive the car there and back. Thoughts?

I am familiar with the base hobby shops, I was an Army brat. The headgasket replacement will probably take 2-3 days. You cannot assume all bolts will come out nicely and go back together easily. Remember, the head requires both manifolds to come off and the exhaust work is nasty.
A mechanic's shop is a different story, he has the proper tools and experience. So long as he is familiar with glueing the cam cover properly, it will be done correctly. Ask if the valve seals will be replaced as part of the job, and ask if a remaned head is a good option for you.