2006 V70R head gasket leak -- weighing options

Post by **E Showell** » 17 May 2019, 10:03

The blue beauty has developed a head gasket leak. I have been considering options. The most rational one to me (others may have different opinions) is an engine swap with a known good used unit. I may have one lined up, but it is from a 2004 S60 R.

Anybody know off the top whether that's a straight swap for a 2006 V70R?

Thanks.

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 17 May 2019, 18:52

2004 S60R and 2006 V70R same engine, the B5254T4.
Use the electronics from the 2006 V70R and you are good to go.

Both of the car are equipped with a BorgWarner K24 turbocharger. You might want to grab the other. They are hard to find.

Post by **jimmy57** » 17 May 2019, 21:06

What makes you think head gasket? what is happening?

The turbo is different on 04 vs 06 in that the 04 uses the over the engine pipe with V band clamp and 06 uses the silicone hose sleeve with clamps.

MDK · Post by **MDK** » 17 May 2019, 22:16

Hey guys... I guess most of know that the R's are prone for head gasket leaks due to the high compression. A few photos will help us ..help you. Is it leaking internally? externally? Is the oil muddy? Is it seeping out of the block? Is the cylinder head warped? Is it white smoking out of the exhaust? Did it over heat?
Not a fan of Volvo's vague temp gauge. I wish it worked in real time were you could see it cycle when the thermostat opens. Just wondering how you came to the conclusion... not trying to be a wise guy... details.. details. It's all in the details.

Post by **E Showell** » 17 May 2019, 23:00

Losing prodigious quantities of coolant from the back side of the block over by the transmission side whenever system is pressurized. No oil in coolant or vice versa. Mechanic says it's coming from a "seam" but he can't pinpoint it exactly.

No white smoke, not aware of an overheat.

External leak only as far as I can tell at this point.

Post by **jimmy57** » 17 May 2019, 23:08

The reason I asked is that R motors blowing head gaskets without losing a radiator or other severe overheat occurring first is very rare. They don't lose head gaskets tuned to the point of cracking cylinders and such.
The mass of plumbing back there can obscure the hose leaking that goes onto back of head. There is also coolant line that heats the crankcase vent pipe to turbo and the coolant pipes for turbo.

MDK · Post by **MDK** » 18 May 2019, 06:08

That's exactly right J 57..oil/ water cooled turbo can trip you up. It's kinda dark back there plus the coolant hose going into the the engine is right about the tranny case. But if it's truly coming out of the cylinder head to block... yeah, it's the head gasket. So I'd say it's probably easier mechanically to just the top the end rather than R/R the engine. A lot less stuff to disconnect. But...if the 2006 has high miles like over 200,000.. and the 2004 has low miles like 90,000 or something it might be a good thing to pull the whole assy.

Post by **E Showell** » 18 May 2019, 19:13

Radiator had a leak and was replaced before head gasket problem was noted. Radiator went in smooth as silk with Steve's help.

Post by **abscate** » 19 May 2019, 04:24

I’ve got seal Team A for head and seal team B for engine swap on standby......

The karmic balance of doing this is enhanced by the knowledge you get the first time you do any job, the next time will be 1/2 the time or even better.

Post by **E Showell** » 19 May 2019, 05:12

Used mill I am considering has about 80k fewer miles than existing unit.