1996 850 Turbo, Rough idle, new PCV didn't fix it...

Post by **JDS60R** » 06 Oct 2013, 18:05

Time for a leak down test. This will give you evidence of where the leak is ( valve vs piston ring) .
Knowing where the leak is will help you decide a proper course of action

Post by **rspi** » 06 Oct 2013, 19:19

If the compression test was done properly, the injectors were disabled so no fuel would be washing down the piston walls when oil was added. These cars have such a long history of burning valves I would not continue to prolong the pain of trouble shooting. I'm not against doing a leak down test, but how many people have a compressor to do it? Then you really need a scope to hear where the air is going.

Just a side not for those that are watching (reading) eating popcorn... the owners manual specifically states to NOT rev the motor over 3,000 rpm's if you have lifter problems, i.e. they are tapping. So, when you hear your lifters sticking and clicking, take it easy until they stop. When i did the head on our S70, after everything was back together, it was like a Christmas choir with our lifters. I'd guess about 6 of them were tapping. Two here, then 1 there, then 3 over there. It was a little scary but finally it settled down to 2, that didn't want to stop while I had the car idle in the parking lot. I drove the car to the store to get something I needed and by the time I got there, 3 miles later, all lifter noise had stopped. Never to return - Hurrah!!!

futureboycolin · Post by **futureboycolin** » 06 Oct 2013, 22:39

The compression was done properly. I'm not going to bother with a leakdown test. I am however going to change to a little heavier dino oil, and try out that Swepco 502 and 503. If it doesn't work, I'm only out $30 for the oil and $15 for the additives.

I think I can do the work on the head in my mom's barn if I have to. Either way, I really would hate to lose this car. My girlfriend accuses me of being obesessed...but I know it's love (with the car!)

Post by **MoVolvos** » 06 Oct 2013, 23:26

[quote="futureboycolin"]

I am however going to change to a little heavier dino oil, and try out that Swepco 502 and 503.

[quote]

If the weather continues to stay in the 70's in Brooklyn use a 10W-30 CJ-4 Diesel Motor Oil such as the Shell Rotella® T Triple Protection or Shell Rotella® T5 Synthetic Blend since you won't be driving it hard. Start with the 502 and run it for about 100 or 200 miles to see if there are any differences then the 503. If there is improvement with 502 you know the Compression has something to do with it and if it improves further with the 503 it is the Valves also. Use a WIX or Volvo Filter and run Premium Fuel.

Blessings,

BKM

**

futureboycolin · Post by **futureboycolin** » 06 Oct 2013, 23:34

I should update my profile, I'm in Chicago now, so the good weather is waning here. Only a matter of time before winter hits us hard.

Post by **MoVolvos** » 07 Oct 2013, 00:21

futureboycolin wrote:I should update my profile, I'm in Chicago now, so the good weather is waning here. Only a matter of time before winter hits us hard.

If that is the case go with the Rotella T6 5W-40. Had it in my sister in law's (now mine) Odyssey for over 10K in 6 months (Sept 12 to Feb 13) if my memory serves me right and it was still running well when I changed it. It was on sale at O'Reilly for $13 for 1 Gal so I had to try it. I didn't have Swepco motor oil at the time as I have to buy it by the case (24)

from the Local Rep.

If you are inclined you may call Swepco directly and they can get in touch with a Chicago area Rep to let you know which shop locally carry the product. When I was in Cary, NC last year I called Swepo and then the Local Rep in Wake Forest called back with a few local shops where I could get just a few items to use it in my friend's car. He has been selling for 5 years only and told me the Industrial and Commercial users like it so much he now has a warehouse in Morrisville.

Toll Free: 800-359-5823

Blessings,

BKM

**

futureboycolin · Post by **futureboycolin** » 07 Oct 2013, 22:14

I'm gonna do the Swepco for a week or two and then decide what to do if it doesn't get better.

I think I may be able to commandeer my mom's barn for the head work...Only thing is that I'd have to drive the car 3.5 hours to get there. I'd really like to do NA cams while I'm in there. It would also be awesome to swap in an s60R exhaust and 16t turbo while the manifold is off...why not larger injectors while I'm at it!

My decision is going to come down to just lapping in new valves on cylinder #1, or swapping heads. Swapping heads will definitely be more leg-work. Either way I'm going to want to send the head away for resurfacing and new valve stem seals, right?

What do I do if I get the head off and it's not a burnt valve, but a cracked piston or scoring?

Post by **erikv11** » 07 Oct 2013, 22:25

futureboycolin wrote:...Either way I'm going to want to send the head away for resurfacing and new valve stem seals, right?

In my opinion, yes. Plus reseat the valves unless you do that yourself (I don't know how). Only Victor Reinz on the valve stem seals, shop around.

futureboycolin wrote:...What do I do if I get the head off and it's not a burnt valve, but a cracked piston or scoring?

Likely circle the wagons and go home, depending on the damage. If you need another engine you source one, or part out the car and move on. I've never done bottom end work on an 850/x70, the bottom ends are very very hardy. So I doubt it but this possibility is one reason to open it up and take a look before you go getting another head ready. If you have that option.

See what others think, that's my $0.02.

futureboycolin · Post by **futureboycolin** » 08 Oct 2013, 10:01

I figured that. I've been trying to decide whether to go forward with this or cut my losses.

Waiting on word from my mechanic in Angola, IN on who I should send the head to.

Post by **rspi** » 08 Oct 2013, 15:02

This entire thread suffers from over thinking. Take one step at a time. Pull the head close to home. Send it to a local shop. Keep it simple.

Pm me and I'll come get it.