Cracked cylinder head

adriggs1 · Post by **adriggs1** » 02 Feb 2017, 22:43

Hi everyone, I have a 2001 s60 with 192k on it. The other day I was fixing an oil leak in my car which was the o-ring for the oil filter housing. I went to start my car after and it wouldn't. It would crank but Start. After checking timing, battery, starter, plugs, coils, etc, still no start. I had it towed to a local shop and they told me it was a cracked cylinder head and that it was causing the cylinders to have roughly 100psi lower than what they should be. They told me it was running around 60 psi. Makes sense that the lack of compression caused it not to start. The shop said it was $3600 for the repair. It's over 13 hours of labor! It's something I'm not getting my self involved with even though I do all the work on my car except things such as this. My problem is whether or not the repair is worth it. I absolutely love my car and there is sentimental value in it as well. I've put so much work and money into the car over the last year and she ran great until the other day. The repair would obviously include a new head gasket and that was my only concern as to something going bad that is expensive and I couldn't do. Otherwise I'm fine with putting in the money for maintenance to keep her going. I think I could easily get another 100k out of it because it has been taken care of over the years. I want to have it repaired but it's risky because of the mileage and age of the car. Could I get some opinions if possible, please?

Post by **jonesg** » 03 Feb 2017, 02:19

Never LOVE something that can't love you back.

I'd have a go at DIY.
At least dismantle it, then you'll know if you have the tools to reassemble.
For $3600 I could find a decent car with lower miles.

Post by **vtl** » 03 Feb 2017, 10:50

Well maintained problem free P2 Volvo for under $3600?

Post by **chrism** » 03 Feb 2017, 11:00

I'm skeptical of their diagnosis. But then I was born a skeptic. Are they saying ALL FIVE cylinders have low compression due to a cracked head? If the crack was that extensive I would think you'd be loosing coolant either internally of externally.

I've heard these engines are known to sometimes lose compression due to dry cylinder walls. I would be inclined to spray some oil into each cylinder and then see what the compression reads.

Post by **jonesg** » 04 Feb 2017, 02:59

Code: Select all

vtl wrote:Well maintained problem free P2 Volvo for under $3600?

My 2004 V70 awd turbo 170K miles was $1975 in Boston last summer, needed the usual , I didn't look at 2001 models.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 05 Feb 2017, 14:21

time for a 2nd opinion. Hard to believe it's a cracked cylinder. Could be a burnt valve causing the compression issues. Either way, a new head or a resurfaced head would be in order. Either way, the price they quoted you is highway robbery! Get a 2nd opinion from an indy shop.

Post by **precopster** » 05 Feb 2017, 23:31

Search Lawn Mower syndrome: They ONLY need to squirt some oil in the cylinders and put a big battery pack on the car to clear the cobwebs.

There is a lack of upper cylinder lubrication causing low compression. You undoubtedly started the engine for only a few seconds then cut it off quickly during the service. There is NO DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE, BUT YOUR PRIDE IS A LITTLE SCATHED.

It's happened to me on at least 2 of my Volvos. Moral of the story is always run the engine for more than 15secs before shutting it down