850 Cylinder Heads

darkstarsinner · Post by **darkstarsinner** » 17 Apr 2009, 17:46

Well, I was getting close to doing some work on Project 850, when disaster struck. While doing 45mph my timing belt snapped. No biggy right? Yeah, except for the fact that even with the new belt on it still wouldn't start. So I pulled the head. I had to valves broken off completely and all of the exhaust valves were bent. Now for the realy bad part. I have two huge chunks missing out of the head. I need a new Cylinder head ASAP, but our local junk yards on had one B5254FS between the six of them, and it was to badly damaged. Anybody know of where to get one or have one to sell?

Craigd2599 · Post by **Craigd2599** » 17 Apr 2009, 18:04

Vovlos are interference engines meaning...zero room between the pistons and the valves when the belt snaps. There is a thread on here with contact info for a company that sells reman heads and they come pretty highly regarded.

bigric · Post by **bigric** » 18 Apr 2009, 00:13

Clearwater Cylinder Heads in Florida; www.cylinder-heads.com. $425 exchange including shipping with a two-year warranty. I went this route instead of replacing 10 bent valves when my tensioner gave out. My machinist wanted about $250 or so, plus I needed valves, so this was a better deal for me. They didn't list the Volvo head on their site, but I called them and they had plenty. Not everybody thinks it's a bargain, but if you're not good friends with a machine shop and you're not into lapping your own valves, not a bad way to go.

darkstarsinner · Post by **darkstarsinner** » 18 Apr 2009, 09:49

Thanks guys. I called them up. I have to call back with my casting number but this may be the route I go. Thanks again.

darkstarsinner · Post by **darkstarsinner** » 24 Apr 2009, 20:17

Hey guys. Just wanted to throw out a quick update. I ordered my head on Wensday and it arrived today from Clear-Water Cylinder Heads. Great people to deal with. Even got the discount for being prior service. The head looks great, but we'll see what happens when it's installed.

Thanks for the tip on where to buy. Once again you guys have come through for me.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 24 Apr 2009, 22:36

Yes, keep us updated!

darkstarsinner · Post by **darkstarsinner** » 03 May 2009, 14:31

Uh still working on the install of the head. To anyone who may need to do this in the future, beware of the intake manifold bolts. They are by far the biggest pains in the ass. Make sure to bolt the manifold up to the head before dropping it in. Also be ready to replace a lot of hose clamps. The ones that came on it were rusted all to hell. Lol, and find a good source of info to tourque your bolts down. I was using motoralldata and got a little frustrated at times. "1st set 15 ft-lbs" fine, "2nd set 44 ft-lbs" easy enough, "3rd set 130 degrees" Huh? Oh and if you are doing this please get ahold of me about the special tools!!! It will save you a lot of headache.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 07 May 2009, 12:18

The only "special tool" you need is an angle gauge that snaps on behind the socket.

...Lee

darkstarsinner · Post by **darkstarsinner** » 20 May 2009, 18:47

Maybe, but I didn't use one though. But she is running at last. Took a lot of hard work but I got to turn the key today, scared as hell mind you, and she fired right up after only a few tries. Sounds pretty damn good too considering I had to replace the exhaust donought so now it has a better seal. Guys I'm begging you if you have to do this, or even just replace the head gasket PM me for all the parts you'll need. The biggest headache was finding out I needed something else when the parts I ordered days before finaly got here. I would do a couple things then wait and wait some more. She tics a good bit though, but I'm hoping that fades away when the new head brakes in. Not looking forward to taking off the valve cover a trying to se the lash. Thanks guys.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 20 May 2009, 20:53

They want you to drown the lifters in oil before you replace them back into the head. If you didn't do that I expect that the lifter clack will go away after a while (I don't know how long "a while" is but it should go away if the rest of the oiling system is OK). Valve lash has never really been an issue like with the old air cooled Porsche cars - been there, done that, got the T shirt with my old 914.

It sounds like you are golden once again - good job!

...Lee