I did it!!!!

02V70 · Post by **02V70** » 21 Mar 2022, 14:50

This is an update to my other posts about replacing the head gasket.

My dad has a Volvo that had a blown head gasket. He said I could have it if I fixed it. It had steam coming from the exhaust, it ran rough, and coolant was mixing in the oil. I had a little experience working on cars, like changing oil and an alternator, but I have never attempted a job as big as replacing the head gasket. I just put everything back together, and it actually started!! So far after around 10 miles of driving no symptoms are present, and the oil and coolant are not mixing. I wouldn't have been able to do it without help from this forum, so thank you everyone!

Even if it didn't work, it would have still made a great learning experience and would still work for my senior project. I also enjoyed fixing it (when I wasn't stuck and frustrated)

There are still two other large problems I am working on.
All the gauges on the dash are at zero most of the time, and the power steering doesn't work.

Post by **scot850** » 21 Mar 2022, 15:05

Did you have the power steering apart for any reason during the work or the fluid out of it? If you did, did you top the fluid up again in the system and 'burp' the power steering system prior to driving it? If you topped up the system without burping it it could be there is trapped air in the power steering which will prevent it working.

Burping the system involves starting the car with the front wheels off the ground on axle stands, removing the header tank cap, and then turning the steering from full right to left several times and you should feel the steering freeing up and engaging.

The only other issue would be if the power steering pump is not connected to the serpentine belt or the belt is not routed the correct way?

As for the dash-lights and gauges not working there is unfortunately a common fault with the P2 chassis cars where the (DIM) instrument panel fails. There are several companies that repair this issue. I have not checked the P2 model, but the older P80 models you can't just swap over the unit from another car as there is data like the Vin# and mileage stored in there, on the P80 even the transmission TCU is connected through there. If you have the wrong DIM/CIM (depends on terminology) you cannot read the TCU and ECU using the OBD2 system.

Hopefully others can chime in and add/correct anything if it it not 100% correct!

Hopefully the good news continues with your repairs, and very well done!

Neil.

02V70 · Post by **02V70** » 21 Mar 2022, 15:21

For the power steering, I think the problem is that the fluid level is low, however, I don't know what type of fluid to put in. The manual says ATF, however, the power steering fluid that is in the container is gold/brown and not red. Would this mean I should put in conventional P/S fluid?

Post by **erikv11** » 21 Mar 2022, 16:32

Head gasket is a really tricky and long term job, congrats!

I will reply about the power steering fluid in your other thread about the P/S. It should be filled with ATF or Pentosin, but not conventional P/S fluid.

Post by **scot850** » 21 Mar 2022, 17:33

Also you cannot mix ATF and Pentosin according to Volvo. I can't recall if I mentioned that in your other thread.

Neil.

Post by **abscate** » 21 Mar 2022, 17:53

Nice, well done. It makes a lot of sense to run the same ATF in your transmission and Ps

I use the synthetic Valvoline in mine