850 turbo..pcv issue head gasket issue ,,,help !!??!!

Mthrizzle · Post by **Mthrizzle** » 20 Nov 2008, 19:55

Hey..I need some help with my "new" 850 volvo turbo. I recently picked up this car with 160k on the odo, here are a list of issues I came across
1. The car idled fine but had alot of blow back coming fron the oil dipstick. Whenever the dipstick was out and you revved the engine, as soon as you came off the gas, oil would pump its way up through the dipstick, there was no smoke coming from the tailpipe though and the car seemed to have lots of power. My friend at volvo said it seemed like it was the PCV sytem clogged and I should take a chance with it as it was being sold for $500...needless to say I did

2. On the 48 mile trip back, the temp gauge went up twice and ten went to normal, unfortunately i smelt coolant and noticed smoke coming from the hood. Upon inspection, the reservoir was under pressure, bubbling over but the car temp gauge remained normal. I tried to add anitfreeze but the car would just overheat from traffic light to traffic light. The top hose was hard and felt like air was always passing trough it, the bottom hose was soft and cold, and when the cooling fans were on, the temperature of the air from the fan was also cold. ( ????? )
With that being said, I thought it could be a thermostat or clogged radiator, I took it to a Mr. Tire and left it overnight, I was quite disappointed to later hear that I had a blown headgasket.

I need help with confirming
@ the blown headgasket
b) the back pressure of oil/smoke from the oil filler cap and dip stick
c) how to check the reistor /where to find it for the blower motor
d) how to check the blower motor
e) if it is a head gasket..any writeups ?

I need some info really soon, as my station wagon BMW is not good for winter, it too developed a bad headgasket, Ibought this car with the intention as a daily driver and now I have seemed to jump from the frying pan into the FIRE !

Your input/s will be highly regarded and appreciated

Post by **wheelsup** » 20 Nov 2008, 20:07

OK no idea on the headgasket I'm lucky I can put brakes on without doing any damage but as far as the PCV writeup this is the "holy grail"

http://www.lakesidedp.com/uploadpics/pcv/

Check under your spark plug cover if there is oil than your PCV system is clogged as well.

From what I have heard doing the headgasket isn't too bad if you can follow a Haynes manual. They should have them at Advanced Auto Parts, at least mine stocks them even for the 850. I think even my local library had one.

No writeups that I know of though, hey if you end up doing it take pictures!!

There's a relay on the backside of your radiator near the top, it looks like this:

Turn your a/c on, if the radiator comes on right away then your relay might be ok, on the other hand...I actually had to replace mine recently it was bad and caused the car to overheat because it was intermittent, chances are yours is too and that's why it overheated and blew the HG...

I would actually like to find a car like this, keep it in my garage to toy around with and use it to learn on. Heck around these parts if you fix the HG and it looks good you could sell the thing for $3k.

Mthrizzle · Post by **Mthrizzle** » 20 Nov 2008, 20:24

thanks on the PCV link..I guess if the headgasket is gone..I will have to take the intake off..appreciate it

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 20 Nov 2008, 20:57

Do a compression test and then a leakdown test. If you pass those it could be as simple as a bad thermostat. I think I would actually change the order on those and just shotgun the thermostat first before the other tests that will be expensive if you don't have the gauges.

If you change the thermostat (they are dirt cheap) change the ECT sensor while you are there. Since your fan was blowing I would guess it is OK but those items are normally replaced together.

If you have the aluminum bolts on the thermostat housing there is an 80% chance that they will strip the head out when you go to change them. Buy the new thermostat housing bolts in advance and even if they don't strip out change them to the new style bolts. I have had luck with PB blastering the heck out of them overnight and then "waking the bolts up" by smacking them with a hammer while the torx bit is on the end of the socket extension.

Slow steady pressure helps more than a big yank on the ratchet.

Let us know what you find.

...Lee

Mthrizzle · Post by **Mthrizzle** » 21 Nov 2008, 19:06

thanks Lee..will be doing something with the car on Sunday..will keep you guys posted .

I actually expected more participation and help around here..but hey..it is what it is

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 21 Nov 2008, 19:23

I actually expected more participation and help around here..but hey..it is what it is

It isn't like we are all going to show up in your driveway with torque wrenches in hand. If you have barbecue and beer that might be a different story.

You can see and feel the car, all we have to go off of is what your tell us. Be as descriptive as possible including pictures as necessary.

If you run into any issues or questions along the way post back. The board is well populated and we will give you the best advice that we can as you proceed.

Be assured that you are not the first person to have whatever problem you have. Likely one of us has encountered it before.

...Lee

Post by **wheelsup** » 21 Nov 2008, 19:40

I hit the thermostat bolts hard with PB Blaster, multiple applications over a day, and used this special tool to remove the torx:

"I used a 3/8" to 1/4" adapter with a 1/4" extension with a 1/4" 12 point socket that held my T40 torx socket...with tape...so it wouldn't fall out."

It worked well, I reinstalled them with antiseize 6 months ago and actually just the other day unwound them and while tough to undo they aren't impossible. I'm ordering a new 90C thermostat because I have a 92C in there now from NAPA and it runs just *slighly* on the warm side of 3 o'clock but will head to the local dealer to pick up the new bolts there.

Mthrizzle · Post by **Mthrizzle** » 22 Nov 2008, 18:18

thanks fellows...and for those who need to know...I got beer and instead of babeque chicken..it will be Jerk chicken..so jump in line and bring over your tools..will be checking out the car tomorrow..lets hope its not 30 degrees out

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 22 Nov 2008, 20:07

Where are you? I could be on my way if you're within an hour from me...I love jerk chicken!

Wingman45 · Post by **Wingman45** » 22 Nov 2008, 20:24

For what it's worth, I've seen a plugged radiator and /or bad heater core cause the same problems. I would make sure that that the water is flowing well before I tore into the head. Thermostat is the best place to start tho. Good luck!