2000 V70 XC has not been started in 3 years

[commandoNate]

I figured I'd give you an update on this project since you all were kind enough to give me some suggestions on how to address it. First off, whoever suggested that I use a come a long and not mess with trying to start it when I picked up is a genius. I owe you a beer! The inter cooler was cracked right on top and mice had found their way in the intake tube and stashed acorns and junk in there. Had I cranked the motor that would have all gotten sucked into the motor! Fortunately I saw evidence of this as I was removing the broken parts and decided to remove all the air tubes from the turbo to the motor. Found a good nest in the air filter box too! No evidence of them munching on wires or getting to the interior.

As it sits it only needs a handful of things to be back on the road. I found a guy near by who has an identical car with motor problems so I may get everything needed from one place!

[BEJinFbk]

Same model, like a 2000?
If it's a '98 or a '99, there
will be some differences.

[tryingbe]

First off, whoever suggested that I use a come a long and not mess with trying to start it when I picked up is a genius. I owe you a beer!

You're welcome.

[commandoNate]

Same model, like a 2000?
If it's a '98 or a '99, there
will be some differences.

Yep, it's a 2000. Even the same color so the hood and fender will match.

[commandoNate]

So I got the parts car yesterday and got everything swapped over to my car. Started like a dream, then I noticed the coolant dumping out the back (firewall side) of the motor. Blown head gasket. My assumption is that after the impact with the deer the car was driven about 15 miles with no coolant. radiator was badly broken so all the coolant would have come out of the car almost immediately.

My question now is whether or not to pull the head, have it machined and replace the head gasket? Can I do this with the engine in the car or do I need to pull it? i've read through posts discussing damage to lower end when cars are driven with blown head gaskets. But knowing this was only running for about 10-15 minutes would you roll the dice and do the top end? The car is in absolutely MINT condition, and to this point I only have a few hundred bucks into a parts car so I'm inclined to tear into this motor. Thoughts? Advise?

Heading back out to the shop to do a compression test. Should have done that first right? D'oh!! Live and learn.