2006 XC90 2.5T Timing Belt Flew Off

[SuperHerman]

Wow - I did not know you had to machine the valves for clearance. That really makes matters difficult. Will have to put that in my bank of knowledge.

Maybe find a complete used head (need the top cover with it and everything else) - then lap and replace the valve stem seals.

At $600 you can find a complete engine.

[precopster]

The spec is .20 mm intake with .03 tolerance (.17-.23 mm) Cold
.40 mm exhaust with .03 tolerance (.37-.43mm) Cold.

If you buy new valves they may not result in these clearances though last time I had valves replaced my clearances were slightly higher on the intakes. There is no tapping/noise as a result.

[SoapyCoyote]

Thank you guys. I found some used heads at my local pick and pull salvage yard... I think they are compatable but how can I be sure? It would only cost me my time to pull it and about $70. Just like Precopster said, I found it on an S60 turbo. I am concerned that after I take the head off it might have bent valves too though, so is there any quick and easy way to determine this beforehand? Bore-scope down the spark plug holes maybe? Any suggestions or ideas? Thanks, you guys have been great.

By the way, I have been attempting to contact Clearwater Cyhlinder Heads by leaving them a voicemail since last week now with no response yet. I also emailed them yesterday, but it was late and I think they weren't open, so still no response from them yet. They don't list my XC90 2.5T on their website so that's why I'm trying to contact them so I know which head to order... maybe I can just reach out to you guys and figure out which head will work?

There is a number on the back of my current head, and I really wish I could just replace the valves, but it sounds like from what Precopster said and from what my local machine shop said, it's not that straightforward-have to have the correct clearances and such. Anyway, the number is 1001837007. Thanks again guys, I'm going to see if I can get my hands on a bore-scope and pull that head from the junkyard now.

[precopster]

One way is to pressurise each cylinder with air by the spark plug hole and turn it by hand until leaking air stops. This indicates a sealed compression chamber. Don't know how you can rig this up in a wrecking yard. A hand pump and adapter perhaps. A lot easier to hear if it's leaking with both manifolds removed.

If it has twin CVVTs you should be OK. What year is the S60?

[mrbrian200]

A VIN check may give some idea of mileage. And once in awhile some indicator of why it ended up at the PNP --such as entries at the very end referencing attempts at transmission or electrical work, flood vehicle etc.
If you can't turn the crankshaft with a breaker bar I would pass/move on.
If the timing belt is still on it, see if when turning that the intake/exhaust cams at some point both line up with the timing marks. If that looks ok, proceed with a look-see through the spark plug holes with a camera - because removing the cylinder head is time consuming - you'll want a look first rather than spend half the day removing a cylinder head just to chuck it in the back seat and walk away.

[SoapyCoyote]

Those ideas are genius! I can get a hand pump from the parts store with a gage and spark plug hole adapter on it to check compression on each cylinder. What numbers should I look for? Also, I can get a camera from them for about $100. Anyone have any experience with those cameras? Any recommendations? Mrbrian200, what way do you like to use to check the VIN? Something like https://www.autodna.com/ ?

[mrbrian200]

My most recent experience with VIN checks was when I was looking to buy a running vehicle.
Carfax in my experience is more likely to turn up maintenance records. But don't assume there will be any, Carfax is also one of the most expensive.

To gauge the mileage try this free one-

https://www.research.com/vehicle/land.php

For my own car it shows mileage for two previous owners when they bought it and last when I bought it in Dec 2015.
https://www.research.com/paging-vin-rep ... 2062554682
The Carfax report which I was able to look at for free while the dealer still had it listed showed an additional owner, additional mileage time/dates at bi-annual emissions tests in IL, but nothing substantive as far as maintenance records. My sister's 03 XC90 was maintained at a Volvo dealer in IL for both previous owners and had quite a few maintenance records that showed on Carfax.
But you should be able to make some basic/educated assessment of the head on the PNP vehicle with some idea of mileage and your own in-person inspection.

$100 for the inspection camera is a little salty. I think most people like us are picking them up on Amazon or Ebay in the $15-$40 range - search for "endoscope" combined search term with whatever your smartphone is ("iPhone" or "USB" for Android or a Laptop). You will want one with a mirror that attaches to the end so that when you drop it down through the spark plug hole the mirror looks back up to see the valves.
Example:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/162318841341

$100 I might have expected to pay for such a thing 10+ years ago.

[SuperHerman]

Were it me I would ask the wrecker what condition the head is in. Was the motor running when it came in - why was it junked? If it was smashed and the timing looks good - then the head is most likely fine. If the tranny went and it was running they will know. The timing belt will tell you with 90% certainty.

Wreckers know what they have. Otherwise ask what kind of warranty they will give you. In the end a pressure test will tell you - no need for a camera. I think if all is intact you are 90% certain the head is good. If things look ugly pick another donor vehicle.

Either way I would replace the valve stem seals and lap the valves - it is mainly labor as the seals come with most head gasket sets.

[SoapyCoyote]

Yeah I tried asking the wrecker, they have no record of why the cars are in there. They do write the mileage on the car window with a paint marker, but you never really know if it's with the current engine or a new one. Kind of a gamble.

But going along with Precopster's idea, I took today and tomorrow off of work and I'm on my way to get the compression hand pump tester and to get hopefully a good engine head with good valves. If the head shows good compression numbers (above 100 psi) before I take it off, then the valves are good. I'm pretty much home free at that point and I'll just put that salvaged head onto my car and maybe do another compression test to make sure that I installed the head gasket correctly. Thanks guys! I'll keep you posted!

[SoapyCoyote]

I just got an email back from Clearwater Cylinder Heads! They want the casting number. I think this is it on the back of the cylinder head 1001837007. I have to decide now if I want to go the safe route with them and pay the $600 (I'm guessing) or take a gamble on a salvaged head.