Thanks, I have a 1998 S40 so any thoughts on how soft the valves may be in the Volvo engine?

They can be a little sensitive. With a good system well setup they are fie but if things are not spot on (like the factory system) then they will start to suffer. For the small cost of the Flashlube system it would at least give you peace of mind

Flashlube
 

Many thanks for this, will explore over here in Dublin, I will be passing through (and back) UK [Holyhead] next month (in a different car) so might pick up a kit and try have it fitted here.

I am only just off the a55 so not much of a diversion at all