replace head on high mileage car?

chromedome · Post by **chromedome** » 09 Aug 2009, 14:20

I have a 1993 240 Wagon which I love and has served me nicely. And I'm sure it will continue to.

I have an opportunity to buy another Volvo, a 1989 740 (non-turbo) sedan which needs a head. It has the B230F motor.
It has 239K miles on it. So, just a general question for you Techs out there.

Would it be a good gamble to buy this 740 and put either a used head or a new head on it and give it moderate use? Or is this not a wise move in your opinion?

I understand this can only be answered in a very general sense, not knowing or seeing the car....but generally is this ever a good idea or not?

thanks
Bob

Post by **billofdurham** » 10 Aug 2009, 15:40

Welcome to Matthew's Volvo Site.

So, just a general question for you Techs out there.

Some of the members are techs but most are Volvo owners who have amassed knowledge over the years and are now, courtesy of Matthew, able to share this knowledge.

There is no reason why you can't put a head, new or used, on that engine provided you are sure the block has not suffered any damage in whatever event caused the need for a new head.

If you go for a used head then it is imperative that you have it checked by a reputable machine shop to see if it is true. The heads can be skimmed to even them out but there is a limit to what can be taken off. If you do take that route then post back for the specs.

I can see no reason for "moderate use" if you do the job properly it will be ready for ordinary use.

Bill.

chromedome · Post by **chromedome** » 10 Aug 2009, 21:19

Thanks Bill.

Appreciate your input and suggestions.

Bob

FCPEURO · Post by **FCPEURO** » 12 Aug 2009, 11:04

Two other important things that have not been mentioned is a) can you do the head replacement yourself or have to have a shop do it and b) the price for the car.

Depending on the answer two these to questions will make it more obvious to us weather or not it would be worth jumping into this project.

chromedome · Post by **chromedome** » 13 Aug 2009, 18:04

FCPGroton wrote:Two other important things that have not been mentioned is a) can you do the head replacement yourself or have to have a shop do it and b) the price for the car.

Depending on the answer two these to questions will make it more obvious to us weather or not it would be worth jumping into this project.

Now that we are back on....let me answer the questions..... 1)I cannot do the head replacement myself and 2) price of car is $500. And let me add the tech that worked on the car says it blew blue smoke before the head went.....

Post by **JDS60R** » 13 Aug 2009, 22:35

If it had blue smoke before the head went then you can suspect the piston rings.

Your most cost effective fix here is to put a lightly used low mileage engine in.

I bet you will spend about the same as a head.

Ask the local garage for a price. Its a shame you don't have a friend who could do this for you as it is a simple motor swap in these cars.