Engine swap vs engine head replaement 2004 Volvo XC70

[martiii]

Hello all.

Timing belt went on 2004 Volvo XC70. It was replaced at 200k, and then 10k later it delaminated, stretched, did not break, but the cams are off on timing and the car died while driving.

Is it better to find and swap engine, or take the head off and rebuild it? What will be more cost efficient in parts and labor?

Thank you.

[erikv11]

Hello! Some thoughts on that, in no particular order:

Cost is about the same at the end, possibly more for the head work unless you have to pay up for an engine.

For DIY or shop, labor time is about the same, head swap vs engine swap. But with head swap there is also down time going to the machinist etc.

ForDIY: Head swap is much more detail- and knowledge-based. Engine swap is far simpler you take the old one out, put the replacement back in. Engine swap you need a larger space to work in to move the hoist etc, and you have to be more careful to not get hurt moving around an engine. Having done both a couple times I'd much rather do the engine swap, given the choice.

It can be difficult to find a used engine you can trust.

Either engine or head: I would recommend to do all the timing parts, replace the PCV too, maybe replace cam seals while you're in there, definitely replace rear main seal and trans output shaft seal if its an engine swap. So there is some additional cost beyond the head work and valves, or beyond getting the engine.

If you can find an engine, and have the time/space to do a swap, that's my first recommendation.

[martiii]

I hear you on this. Either way it will be an undertaking.
Do you know if the engine can be taken out from the top or does it have to be dropped from the bottom?

Definately I want to get it back on the road, too many new parts were thrown at the car recently. New alternator, rack and pinion, catalytic converter, power steering pump plus hose, new water pump and timing which for some reason the belt failed. In therory all the car needed was pcv in the future.

[erikv11]

Continental brand only on timing belts. Only INA on rollers/tensioner.

I took engine out the top both times.

[martiii]

If I buy engine with the same engine code on the sticker/block and from the car that has the same 6th and 7th digit of the vin, will it be direct swap? Doses it matter that the new engine might be from a newer year than mine's 2004? Electrical connections should be the same?

[erikv11]

Does the dead 2004 engine have dual VVT - both cams have VVT hubs on the front?

If so then basically yes, any later year B5254T2 up to 07 will swap in. Just keep all the same accessories and sensors etc. from your car. Not sure about 08 B5254T2.

[martiii]

Yes, it's dual VVT cams. Looking at an engine from 2007.

[jonesg]

belts dont break, they shred , almost always from a pulley failure, pump/tensioner/idler etc.
i did lose the 32mm crank nut but caught it in time.

[martiii]

I wonder what went wrong. Belt was Continental and waterpump, pulleys, tensioner all OE as well, nothing was made in China. All quality components. My take is probably tensioner, maybe the belt was too tight?

[erikv11]

Dang, that's frustrating. I wonder too.

Did you try putting it back in time and checking compression? I would just to be sure the valves are bent, before moving ahead with such a big job.