In need of a camshaft housing/cover

KevinCro · Post by **KevinCro** » 01 Jun 2020, 15:42

Hey guys. Found out my cam shaft cover was cracked at some point and someone had tried to JB weld it back together. Problem it is cracked where the front seal goes and it’s leaking oil badly. I think it’s also causing a loss of oil pressure to my vvt solenoid. I have searched on eBay and on the various used parts sites to no avail. Anyone have any recommendations? I have a 2004 Volvo XC90 with a 2.9 liter t6 engine. Thanks.

Post by **SuperHerman** » 01 Jun 2020, 20:29

Bad news - the cylinder head and cam cover are married. One cannot replace just either or as they are machined as a unit.

This is the reason you are not seeing them for sale. Now - I don't recommend it, but one could source a junk engine and take just the cam cover and hope the original machining was tight enough that it will work - I have seen a few posts where it did NOT work.

One solution, would be to buy an engine with a broken timing belt and bent valves and use your head for parts and the donor head for the rest. Of course you can source a working engine, but the work either way is considerable.

KevinCro · Post by **KevinCro** » 01 Jun 2020, 21:33

If I bought a good cylinder head and cover, would it work with the old block? Would I have to have it machined to match the block?

Post by **SuperHerman** » 02 Jun 2020, 21:06

Yes that would work. Cross check part numbers to make sure you are getting the correct part, but that is a solution.

I recall various posts discussing the differences between a non-turbo head being adapted and getting one to work. Do some digging and you will find your answers. Easiest route is to by a like for like and bolt it on.