Engine 850: B5252S/2.4/10v: £200 for head bolts?

[stoatsngroats]

After posting some thoughts, and questions, regarding smokey exhaust after idling, I was indirectly pointed towards a volvo independant, whose name, for the moment, will not be mentioned.

When I spoke to him, he referred to the job of replacing the valve stem seals as being a very difficult job - he would not recommend doing it. At one point, he said that headbolts alone cost over £200!

I'd like your comments on this kind of advice, whether its helpful, or just plain misleading. I'm not likely to leave any job to independants in the future, as after paying over £1000 for cambelt, water pump, and mot, (plus some minor bits - handbrake cables snapping at MOT!) I feel that being fleeced is far too common.

Any thoughts?

[Scott Stephen]

Yup looks like your being had alright.

Ive spoken about these kind of things before on these forums.

Buy a TIS CD from ebay, invest in a good tool set and DIY! - There is nothing more satisfying than carrying out £100's of work on your own car for the cost of your own time. After all, if you get stuck we are all here to help!!!

incidentally, head bolts for a B230 engine are about £25, perhaps the ones for your car are gold plated?

[stoatsngroats]

Originally Posted by Scott Stephen

Yup looks like your being had alright.

head bolts for a B230 engine are about £25, perhaps the ones for your car are gold plated?

Yep, I thought so at the time!

I understand that some mechs overprice on jobs they'd rather not do, but lying about cost really hacks me off!

I'm tempted to do the job myself, and try a head overhaul - but I'm almost a complete novice. My V70 is in fantastic condition, I've been told that I'll probably need a new engine (at £3500), because the head will NEVER come off, without damage!

It seems lots of people do work to their similar age cars on here almost at weekly intervals, I'm wondering if, with some patience, and advice, these kind of jobs are worth getting into as a DIY project.

(For me, I'd like someone in Sussex who is 2.5 10v savvy, who could pop over occasionally to give some hands on experience! There is a nice pub, literally just over the road from me!)

thanks for your thoughts!

[MissDMeanor]

Hey Stoats

It does sound as though you're being fleeced.

I've just paid £22.00 (excluding VAT) for a set of head bolts for my T5R. Different engine but I can't see the cost being much different tbh.

I'd try a different garage if I were you

[davebslater(uk)]

£12 for head bolts on a B230 , i think you should look elsewhere

[Scott Stephen]

Originally Posted by stoatsngroats

Yep, I thought so at the time!

I understand that some mechs overprice on jobs they'd rather not do, but lying about cost really hacks me off!

I'm tempted to do the job myself, and try a head overhaul - but I'm almost a complete novice. My V70 is in fantastic condition, I've been told that I'll probably need a new engine (at £3500), because the head will NEVER come off, without damage!

It seems lots of people do work to their similar age cars on here almost at weekly intervals, I'm wondering if, with some patience, and advice, these kind of jobs are worth getting into as a DIY project.

(For me, I'd like someone in Sussex who is 2.5 10v savvy, who could pop over occasionally to give some hands on experience! There is a nice pub, literally just over the road from me!)

thanks for your thoughts!

Go for it my friend, its a great thing to get into and very rewardind!!!

[bigandquick]

The headbolt price does ring a bell. I'm sure a few years back when I needed a set for my 940 I was quoted a ridiculous price per bolt for Volvo ones. It probably would have worked out about tye same price as you've been quoted. Got a set elsewhere for about £20
Or there are some mis-informed mechanics out there.

[darrens]

parts for volvos sell headbolts for £1.41 each, for the V70 up to 2000. same bolts for all engines apart for Diesels.