1999 V70xc turbo engine replacement

brtff20 · Post by **brtff20** » 09 Jul 2010, 17:18

I am at a crossroads and I would like to get some opinions on how to proceed. My 99 V70xc, which has 140,000 miles, and I have spent 2 years repairing and maintaining has a dead 5th cylinder and the local Volvo mechanic states it needs a Valve/head replacement which he cannot do. After a call to the Volvo dealership and a quote of $6000 dollars (American) it was suggested by the service manager to replace the entire engine. Although this is a cheaper option, my question is for a car of it's well used status,is it worth going through the trouble and expense? Has anyone ever had a good or bad experience with this procedure? Most of the mechanics I have polled say cut your losses and move on, which is easier said than done given the amount of time, sweat, and money I have invested in this car. Any input is appreciated, thanks.

Brent

Post by **igel513** » 09 Jul 2010, 18:11

If you have to spend 6k on repirs, you might be better off buying another car. Here in San Diego, I saw a 2003 S60 in a used dealership w/ 130k miles for $5800, excellent body and interior. So you have to weigh the pros and cons of buying used vs. fixing your car. I would agree w/ your mechanics to cut your loses now and upgrade to a newer model. Something for you to think about.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 09 Jul 2010, 19:36

You can buy a rebuilt head from Clearwater cylinder heads for under $600.00. You will then need all new gaskets and O-rings associated with the head as well as new head bolts - another $200.00 or so in parts depending on what other issues you find along the way after the head is removed.

There are many used engines floating around for under $1000.00 delivered to your door.

The labor is pretty much the same - a few hundred dollars in favor of just replacing the head. If you have good service records on the current engine and you are certain that you have a valve issue and nothing more I would be inclined to replace the head.

If you have no service records on the current car I might shift towards replacing the motor with a used one. Places like Toms and Erie Vovo sell a bunch of them and they do offer a short warranty.

If you have the luxury of time I would yank the head and have a look-see. It is not totally wasted labor towards the engine replacement if you decide that is the way to go. All of the stuff you need to unbolt to pull the head needs to come off to replace the engine, the only additional time is removing the upper cam tower and the head bolts.

...Lee