1996 850R Post Head Gasket Repair Problems

Ganio · Post by **Ganio** » 08 Nov 2015, 16:42

So, I recently I replaced the head gasket on the Volvo. I took way too much time on it, as it was a little overwhelming and more than I had taken on before. Plenty of stuck bolts and new tools to buy. Long story short it finally it was done. As far as I can tell I did things correctly, but if that was the case I wouldn't be asking for help.
I finally started it up, and aside from some lifter noise the engine runs smoothly, but I have some faint grey smoke coming from the rear of the engine. I'm not sure if it is from the exhaust manifold, the turbo, or the the head gasket.
I've really only idled it and driven it gently for a mile. Not a lot to go on, but is this a possible symptom of the engine sitting for almost three months, just oil burning off, did I possibly put too much tension on the turbo when I was putting the exhaust manifold back in?

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 08 Nov 2015, 17:13

It is expected. Unless you have smoke pouring out of it just get it all the way up to temp and it will clear up pretty quickly. While you are doing big jobs like this you will always get some smoke at first just due to getting grease, oil, and coolant on things as they are removed replaced.

...Lee

Ganio · Post by **Ganio** » 08 Nov 2015, 17:39

That is reassuring. I worked as slowly as I did trying not to say "That should be good enough" but at the same time as I said, it says a little over anything I had done before. I was thinking of driving it to work tomorrow and dropping it off at a Swede shop to get it looked over.
If all is good, Temps, and what not stay where they should be, how long should I expect this?

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 08 Nov 2015, 17:49

It should clear up in the first 100 miles or so.

...Lee

jcdillin · Post by **jcdillin** » 08 Nov 2015, 17:59

I just did a similar job on mine and even after 200 miles I still get a faint smell of hot oil, when I first started it up it was smoking like crazy.

Pretty normal from all the PB blaster and other stuff sprayed all over the place.

sk55 · Post by **sk55** » 08 Nov 2015, 20:49

when doing my headgasket
i dropped the oil before i started my car...
to get rid of any contaminents that may have dropped in...

drove it an easy 100 miles low boot... changed the oil and filter again...

all strange smoke, smells disappeared after 200 miles..