Pressure wash the valve cover?

[beewstew]

Working on a head gasket repair. 2004 xc70, about 130k miles. I'm really surprised by the amount of coke (hardened oil) on the inside of the valve cover.

Assuming I manage to break the head bolts loose (cracked one 14mm socket in half so far) I'm not planning to take the head to a machine shop for refinishing. Is there any value or danger in running a pressure washer over the inside of the valve cover or the outside surfaces of the head?





https://github.com/ntmoore/2004_Volvo_x ... 146140.jpg

https://github.com/ntmoore/2004_Volvo_x ... 142706.jpg

[erikv11]

I'm no help on the pressure washer, I get both of those parts cleaned at the machine shop.

But on the socket, are you using an impact grade socket? Even the cheap ones (e.g. Stanley) have worked fine for me. Sometimes you need thin-wall to fit in the recess and reach the head bolts, and a quality impact socket is too thick too do that. But a more cheaply made impact socket will be small enough diameter yet beefier than a non-impact, even from a better quality brand.

[MoVolvos]

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The power washer will not be effective but may trap moisture in the grease not removed. Best to have a shop take care of it.
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[beewstew]

The impact socket that failed was a 20yo Harbor Freight 14mm. A new socket from the store and a 30" breaker bar did the trick.

I'm not sure I understand how/where the head gasket failed. Here's a few pictures of the gasket and related surface. No obvious failure marks like the Sabb 900 hg I did 20 years ago.

https://github.com/ntmoore/2004_Volvo_x ... 706042.jpg

https://github.com/ntmoore/2004_Volvo_x ... 649721.jpg

https://github.com/ntmoore/2004_Volvo_x ... 643466.jpg

https://github.com/ntmoore/2004_Volvo_x ... 252931.jpg

https://github.com/ntmoore/2004_Volvo_x ... 206854.jpg

[vtl]

I'm no help on the pressure washer, I get both of those parts cleaned at the machine shop.

But on the socket, are you using an impact grade socket? Even the cheap ones (e.g. Stanley) have worked fine for me. Sometimes you need thin-wall to fit in the recess and reach the head bolts, and a quality impact socket is too thick too do that. But a more cheaply made impact socket will be small enough diameter yet beefier than a non-impact, even from a better quality brand.

You can get a quality thin-walled impact socket, too. Impact is must, though.

[vtl]

I would refrain from using a high PSI pressure washer, like 3000. 1700 PSI didn't do any damage. But it won't do any good without hot tanking.

Weld your own hot tank! I got 4 or 5 pieces of 2"x1" zinc plated steel sheets from Home Depot and stick welded a tank. MIG would be much easier. Also don't breathe fumes, zinc plated steel is not for welding and highly toxic.

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MSR camping stove heats it up to 160-170 F, compressed air agitates the Simple Green + water solution. Take it out from time to time, let it air cool a bit, power wash what you can, put it back. When satisfied with the result, rinse with water well and spray with non-aerozol WD-40 or PB Blaster to prevent oxidation. I managed to clean all the parts very well and for cheap.

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