'03 s60 needs good engine shop

SantaFe75 · Post by **SantaFe75** » 16 Aug 2020, 21:12

Hey everybody,

I need to find a reputable Volvo shop for an engine rebuild. I'm in central NM.

The car is my sons only transportation, and it's drinking coolant. I usually do all my own auto work but, I really don't want to mess things up more than they are. I'm hoping its just the head gasket. I have to keep this car running as long as possible.

Thank you for reading
If you know of a good Volvo guy/gal in the northern 2/3 of NM, please reply with info.

Post by **abscate** » 17 Aug 2020, 07:35

Reach out to Robert Spinner in ABQ - you can DIY with help or perhaps he can point you someone in that area.

He is rspi here - and has a fantastic YouTube presence too.

SantaFe75 · Post by **SantaFe75** » 17 Aug 2020, 08:05

Goodmorning Abscate,

Thank you
Would this be the same Robert from Robert DIY? If so that would be awesome if he was nearby. I'll try to look him up.

Post by **abscate** » 17 Aug 2020, 10:26

I’m not sure. He looks like the really smart version of the guy in the videos in person.

One way to tell him. If has asks you to remove any dead animals from your living room it’s the real guy

Post by **jonesg** » 18 Aug 2020, 06:27

SantaFe75 wrote: ↑17 Aug 2020, 08:05 Goodmorning Abscate,

Thank you
Would this be the same Robert from Robert DIY? If so that would be awesome if he was nearby. I'll try to look him up.

he's on one of his tours around the USA helping people out, currently in Richmond Virginia.
He'll be heading your way as he returns to CA.
You can mssg him through his web page.

Post by **jonesg** » 18 Aug 2020, 06:31

SantaFe75 wrote: ↑16 Aug 2020, 21:12 Hey everybody,

I need to find a reputable Volvo shop for an engine rebuild. I'm in central NM.

The car is my sons only transportation, and it's drinking coolant. I usually do all my own auto work but, I really don't want to mess things up more than they are. I'm hoping its just the head gasket. I have to keep this car running as long as possible.

Thank you for reading
If you know of a good Volvo guy/gal in the northern 2/3 of NM, please reply with info.

You can get some block tester fluid at NAPA, run pipe from coolant bottle through the fluid,
if it turns from blue to yellow you have exh gas in the coolant.
Most people drill a hole in a spare coolant bottle pressure cap and run a tube into a bottle with the block tester.
Start with cold engine, let it idle and watch the fluid.
Tester fluid was less than $10 last time I looked.

SantaFe75 · Post by **SantaFe75** » 18 Aug 2020, 15:04

jonesg,

Thank you for the suggestion, but I think we're past that point. With the engine running I can open the reservoir and see and smell exhaust.

The engine might be a lost cause.

Post by **jonesg** » 19 Aug 2020, 02:44

SantaFe75 wrote: ↑18 Aug 2020, 15:04 jonesg,

Thank you for the suggestion, but I think we're past that point. With the engine running I can open the reservoir and see and smell exhaust.

The engine might be a lost cause.

That says head gasket to me, nothing more.
Some people scrap the car but its very fixable even for us home gamers.

Post by **cn90** » 19 Aug 2020, 12:13

Look for a used engine from a totaled car (rear-ended)...craigslist etc.

SantaFe75 · Post by **SantaFe75** » 19 Aug 2020, 13:55

jonesg wrote: ↑19 Aug 2020, 02:44
That says head gasket to me, nothing more.
Some people scrap the car but its very fixable even for us home gamers.

That's what I was hoping. I just don't have spare money for special tools, or experience with DOHC engines.
I Have watched Robert DIY's & several other videos on the process. It "seems" easy enough, but I've worked on
cars long enough to know that there always tricks and traps. I just don't want to do more harm than good.

Thank you