850R engine w/95K miles replace or fix

Post by **sariano** » 11 Aug 2010, 15:55

Sportswagon R 5th cylinder has no compression, mechanic (s) say take the high road and replace the engine? Seems like a shame to waste one with only 95K miles. I have a wrecked 850R but the mileage is over 200K .

FCPEURO · Post by **FCPEURO** » 11 Aug 2010, 16:21

Do you know what is causing no compression? If it is just like a valve that won't close all the way or something like that with the head, just get a rebuilt head. I don't you will find a used motor with less mileage then 95K, that is really nothing on one of these cars.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 11 Aug 2010, 19:30

I'm with Andrew, that is very low mileage plus it is a R. The engines aren't really different between the R and the T5 but it is nice to keep it pure.

The way I would go after this is to remove the head and have a look-see at the valves. My guess is that you have a burned exhaust valve. Even if you wind up replacing the engine about 80% of the work to remove the head had to be done anyway to yank the engine and replace it.

When gas got over $4.00 a gallon many people cheaped out and put in regular 87 octane and on a turbo and particularly an R that will burn your valves every time - even if they are sodium filled valves.

...Lee

Post by **sariano** » 12 Aug 2010, 02:29

Thanks, that's what we wanted to hear , "don't put her down yet' When we first brought the car home it was blowing blue/white smoke, we drove it a few miles here and there to the shop and back and now it doesnt blow any smoke. There is a Volvo specialist in the area, although very expensive it's probably worth it to consult with him

xjflexer · Post by **xjflexer** » 12 Aug 2010, 04:52

It's absolutely not worth fixing. I'll come up this weekend and get that piece of junk off your hands. How much do you want for it?

aggarcia · Post by **aggarcia** » 12 Aug 2010, 10:36

Find another mechanic. Most likely the no compression cylinder is the head. Like others have mentioned, determine if you have a burned valve and have a valve job done. 95K miles is a very low mileage for a 10+ year old car. The R's are also really nice to have. Good luck.

AG

Post by **sariano** » 12 Aug 2010, 16:25

Thanks, We're in no big hurry, gots lots of Volvo's to keep us on the road, '93 960 Wagon 24 valve has incredible power for a non-turbo, 97 850 t-5 (red) with COLD ac and a reliable '90 740 sedan.

Post by **sariano** » 22 Sep 2010, 15:33

I called a local import specialist who quoted me 3K for a valve replacement, does that sound right? Maybe someone can recommend someone in the Pa, MD, Va area

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 22 Sep 2010, 19:10

Wow, I would shop that a bit more. Clearwater Cylinder Heads will sell you a rebuilt head for somewhere around $600 to $650 range and you need another $150 in gaskets and seals. 2K seems like a big price tag for a days work to change it out.

...Lee

Post by **JRL** » 23 Sep 2010, 05:52

Try SEAFOAM first, for 10 bucks what have you got to lose!
You may have a stuck ring or two
I had a car that 2 cylinders had 20 compression, after a SEAFOAM treatment it had over 160 in all!