My morning disaster - how done am I?

[erikv11]

OK, I thought your signature said 2000, my mistake.

On the rear of the cams, when they are in time, both cam slots and the mating surface of the head are all parallel to each other, basically like this:

______intake slot_____
---------------------------------head surface-----_____exhaust slot____

If you read the head gasket tutorial at Tracy's True Soaps (also pinned here) you will see great pictures of the inverted triangle on the cam front bolt holes, and the parallel slots on the cam rears. Here you go:

Volvo 5-cylinder: How to Replace the Head Gasket

EDIT: if you end up putting this thing back on the road, I would highly recommend getting a timing cover from the junkyard so you always have the marks.

[LamboSE5]

i just wrote a nice reply, and for the second time today had it lost! Is there someway I can make it so I stay logged into MVS. Cause I'm not typing that one again...

I'll check out that link, thanks erikv11. I heard of tracy soaps mentioned in a cylinder head thread earlier today but a google search brought up nothing.

edit: I'd like to keep this engine, when i did compression tests months ago it had real good numbers. I don't know if there could be damage to the block itself resulting from my accident here, or how I'd know. So I still can't really do anything yet.

not to mention I can't exactly take the engine out and store it in the trunk so I'm kinda stuck with the "option" of taking the head off and getting new one.. or just looking for a new car - anybody selling one near NS, Canada? hah.

PS: what's a good alternative to kijiji.ca to search for used cars in the U.S.? (near me, main for e.g.) ebay classifieds seemed to suck.

[jblackburn]

Over here, Craigslist is a great car finding tool, especially for ones that "need some work".

For the record, the head from any 1995-1998 2.3 engine (WITHOUT EGR) will work for you.

Not sure how you're losing replies. I usually only lose them if I'm being an idiot and hit backspace while not in the reply box or something. In most cases, my browser (Firefox) will keep anything you type if you hit forward/back. If you're using that crap they call Internet Explorer, well...

[LamboSE5]

I'll check CL for cars, thanks jb.
I'm not using IE, piece of junk that it is. I stopped using that years ago. But I am on safari now (new macbook) which is a bit of a learning curve (the os not the browser, although..hah). I do have firefox installed. I'll try that next time maybe.

Thanks. Going through tracy soaps thing, wow - detailed. I should be taking this stuff in school. Not surveying (ZzZzZz)

[boosted5cyl]

If you are up for it, you can replace the valves @ $25/piece (or thereabouts). Food for thought if you only have a couple bent. you'll need to buy a spring comrpessor (not too spendy). But if you only have 2-3 valves bent it might be worthwhile replacing them yourself. Its not complex, you just need to take your time. I can guide you through it as im sure others can too. Theres even vids on youtube that cover head overhaul.

Checking to see if they are bent is fairly trivial. Visual inspection of course the drop some WD40 above each of the valves and watch for leaks. You will get some leakage on a head that has some miles on it, but if its noticably and instantly trickling past the valve you have an issue.

Its a case if which do you have more of, time or money. In my case its time, kinda.

[VolvoTurbo850]

There is nothing wrong it trying to see if this thing works and think of it as training when you finally do get it fixed and have to do the timing again. Obviously that is something you do not want to screw up when and if you need the head fixed.

The second pic that says intake... that is the timing mark .. the little notch in white. Look for the similar one on the other one.

The bottom crank is right. Now all you need is a tool or in a pinch i use electrical ties to hold the cam sprockets in place. It is a real pain as they will shift around.

Good luck!

[boosted5cyl]

There still a risk involved by trying to run it though. If a valve head breaks off and destroys a piston you are in a real spot of bother. Nobody else seemed to mention this, so I figure I might as well.

[Choguy03]

I had a timing belt break and bent 8 valves. Take the head off, take it to a shop and get the valves reseated. I paid $195 and the guy cleaned it, checked for leaks and replaced the bent valves for me. They should even get the valve stem seals for you too. Get a head gasket set and the seals should be in there for you too. About $175 for a new belt, tensioners, and water pump. About a $1k or less. I used rockauto.com for most of the parts and they seem to have really good prices, especially on the valves. Keep us posted.

[keepersboy]

I would try real hard to get that car that had diesel put in, That is no real problem. you could have it flused, plugged etc in half a day and have a running car with a little luck.

[turbozutek]

I would try real hard to get that car that had diesel put in, That is no real problem. you could have it flused, plugged etc in half a day and have a running car with a little luck.

All other things being equal (condition and mileage), I'd totally go for that option too. Some time, a set of plugs, fuel filter and an O2 sensor are the most you'd need I think!

Chris...