1998 V70XC AWD Head Gasket Replacement

[goddess357]

I recently attempted a head gasket replacement on my 1998 Volvo v70Xc AWD. Took the engine all the way down to the block, machined the head, put it all back together, and it started!!!!

I followed the instructions as laid out by this guy: Volvo 5-cylinder: How to Replace the Head Gasket

He saved my bacon!!! I decided to take his instructions and make them into a pdf. So I have attached it here for anyone else doing this job. (There were a few differences as he as working on a non-turbo 1996 Volvo 850, but for the most part, it was the same.)

Hope this helps. It has numbered steps, and what i did was buy brown paper lunch bags, and got some grocery bags, and put the parts from each step (when applicable) into the numbered bags. It really helped me keep track of everything. I have also emailed a copy of the manual to the man who wrote the instructions, as well as a thank-you email.

Happy gasket replacement adventuring to you. Hope this helps.

[goddess357]

oops...had to edit a word...

[rmmagow]

I do question the copper spray stuff. I've read here and elsewhere that either it isn't required or is possibly detrimental to the HG on the Volvo. That being said, I used it on a Mazda HG and had no issues.

[rmmagow]

WOW! This is beautiful! I wish it were spring so I could go find a nice old 98 with a blown HG to fix.
My sincerest complements for an outstandingly good job.

[erikv11]

The Tracey's guide is by far the best one I've ever seen for the head gasket, now this pdf makes it easier to use in the garage. Thanks for the great work.

[goddess357]

I am so glad you all like the pdf! It was a lifesaver for me, consider that that most complicated car work I had ever done before was change brakes on an explorer...Ah, I knew so little then....