Help getting 1997 850R back road worthy

Empigt · Post by **Empigt** » 17 Dec 2019, 11:16

I really don't think anything is wrong with the lower end of the motor. It sounds great. And even basicly running on 2 cylinders it could pull it's own weight. Even on the cylinders with the blown valves I did get 90 psi at 3000 rpm with the compression tester. Just nothing at idle. So the turbo must have some good boost. And would rev to 6000 rpm and sound great doing it. I would have driven it if the idle was smooth. So fingers crossed only a head job will fix this thing. It does have low miles anyway. I'm guessing someone had it wrapped out for long distances to burn the valves like this.

Empigt · Post by **Empigt** » 18 Dec 2019, 20:38

Another question for you guys. In removing the head, can I leave the exhaust manifold and turbo attached if I disconnect the down pipe and all hoses from the turbo. Then remove the turbo and manifold after the head is off. Just received a turbo back obx exhaust anyway so the downpipe is getting unbolted from the turbo anyway. Looking for the easiest way on my back from removing the exhaust manifold
In the car. Anything else obstructing it from doing it that way? All parts ordered. For the rebuild of the head. Probably won't be here before the weekend. Maybe get done the next weekend.

Empigt · Post by **Empigt** » 21 Dec 2019, 11:11

Bump.. Anyone know?
Pulling head off tomorrow.
I guess I'll find out for sure then.

Post by **rguzz** » 22 Dec 2019, 16:14

Didn't watch all of it, might be useful for you. Several similar videos around. Looks like this motor is an NA version.

Empigt · Post by **Empigt** » 22 Dec 2019, 19:05

Thanks for the video. I watched it about a week ago. He unbolted the exhaust manifold from the head in the car. I had to do other stuff this weekend so didn't get to removing the head yet. Still waiting on the parts from volvo for the head gasket and valve seals.

Empigt · Post by **Empigt** » 23 Dec 2019, 17:25

Got the head off today and dropped off to get it decked and cleaned. 3 burnt valves just as suspected. Pulled it off by unfolding the exhaust manifold instead of pulling the head with manifold and turbo. It did seam easier to do it that way. Good news is cylinder walls look and feel great, no ware ridge and pistons hold all fluid above them so rings are good. Pulling the head off I noticed I lifted the entire passenger side of the engine and back down with a hard knock sound. So it needs a motor mount. So just ordered that as well. Still waiting on parts from volvo on the head gasket and valve seals. Just received the tracking # today after ordering last weds.
Question.... I ordered the lower right motor mount. Should I replace the 2 round center looking mounts too?

Empigt · Post by **Empigt** » 05 Jan 2020, 17:18

Finished rebuilding the head. All new volvo gaskets and stainless valves. Lapped and leak down tested. Spent the day putting it back on. Hopefully tomorrow intake and everything hooked up for a test run. On another note I ordered a reman master cylinder. I tried putting it on today and the rear line is too large if a fitting for the new one. The one ordered said it fit this model. Any thoughts?
Here's a pic of the newly rebuilt head installed.

Post by **abscate** » 05 Jan 2020, 19:39

Good work. Put towels in every open port or hole until you are ready to cover up.

A m6 washer in the wrong place in the engine internals can undue all that work in 1 revolution.

Empigt · Post by **Empigt** » 07 Jan 2020, 17:59

Finally got to drive it. Transmission is great. Has a CV joint clicking while turning. A little blue smoke after the motor is fully heated. Hoping rebuilding the turbo will remedy that. As it did seem to have A lot of oil in the intake tubes.

Empigt · Post by **Empigt** » 07 Jan 2020, 18:08

First drive

Help getting 1997 850R back road worthy

Re: Help getting 1997 850R back road worthy