Piston rings? Head gasket?

[Khorn09]

Hey guys, so I'm currently taking the head off of the XC90. I have everything disconnected, intake manifold and exhaust manifold, cams and cam cover. The only thing that told me back right now is the 2 10 mm bolts on the back side of the head on the passenger side holding the coolant pipe on. Right now I have no idea how I'm supposed to get both of those bolts off. I can get the top one off, but the bottom one is blind and in such a position that I can't get a wrench or a socket on it. Any ideas?.

[cn90]

Search the internet for DIY Volvo 850 HG job.

The steps are almost the same as 2.5T engine.

[Khorn09]

Hey guys, regarding that whole debacle. i ended up getting it done, just needed a 1/4" extension and skinny 10mm to get at em. Anyways, while i was down there i noticed that the flexpipe for the cat is seperated. Can I get an exhaust shop to just replace the flex pipe? Or am I best off to get a new catalytic converter? I believe it is the original cat, with 146k miles on it. How long do they usually last? The reason i'm asking is because i have to go get my smog test done after i get it all put back together(California), and a new cat is around $1200.

Regarding the head, it turned out to be really flat. Shop took .007 or so off of it to clean it up. Completely rebuilt the head and did all the valves clearances, valve job, and hot tank for $450.