Engine 850: B5234T/2.3/20v/T5: New 850 T5 Owner headgasket failure

[njw184]

Hi All,

I recently acquired a 96 850 T5 GLT Auto Estate that has head gasket failure.

When getting the head gasket done are there any other jobs worth doing at the same time whilst the head is off?

This is my list

Head Gasket Set, Timing Belt, Waterpump, aux belt, PCV system, expansion tank, radiator & hoses, heater matrix, Turbo cooolin hoses. Temp sensor.


are there any other O-rings, parts, seals that I may need or should change.
is there a paticular brand of headgasket kit and timing belt kit to go for? I was going to get a gates timeing belt kit wiith a metal impellor waterpump.

What is the best source for these parts, I was looking at PFS parts for volvos online and some of there prices are good but others seem high.

Thanks in advance.

Joe

[Luxobarge]

Are you sure it's the head gasket that's gone? I ask, because H/G failure on these is very rare, but there are a number of other relatively common faults that can make you think it's gone. What are the symptoms?

Your list seems pretty complete, although if it was me there are a number of things on that list I wouldn't do unless I was sure they needed it, such as heater matrix and water pump.

What I would add to the list would be engine mountings, they get soggy and collapse over time, and this could be the ideal time to change them?

[njw184]

Hi,

Quite sure, i believe the car had been driven with a stuck closed thermostat and overheated.

Gas bubbling into expansion tank and will overheat at idle with thermostat out, fans are working. Slight steam from exhaust with constant water drips from exhaust. Going to check plugs tomorrow and do compression test and combustion gas test.

I was considering the lower engine mounts, so yep i think i will do them thanks.

Joe

[Luxobarge]

Ah, OK, fairy nuff, does sound like a H/G then, doing a compression and combustion gas test is still a good idea though, as you say.

Well worth doing the job though, great cars these and should then go on for ever. PCV is the main job that will be a lot easier with the head off, and again, well worth doing as it's a common issue on these.

Good stuff - let us know how it goes?

Cheers

[njw184]

Originally Posted by Luxobarge

Ah, OK, fairy nuff, does sound like a H/G then, doing a compression and combustion gas test is still a good idea though, as you say.

Well worth doing the job though, great cars these and should then go on for ever. PCV is the main job that will be a lot easier with the head off, and again, well worth doing as it's a common issue on these.

Good stuff - let us know how it goes?

Cheers

Thanks for your help, I will keep you updated.

Do you get your parts from pfs or a volvo dealer?

[Stu B]

Best of luck with this, well worth fixing up and yes do the PCV while you’re at it. I’d replace all the vacuum hoses (do a search on here for pipe details and locations) to save revisiting them later, they’re bound to be perished. Will only cost a few quid and rule out future hassle.

I usually get genuine parts from the Volvo dealer where possible (and cost effective) but some other bits via PFS, or Euro Car Parts for basics like brake fluid, oil, filters etc. when they’ve got a good discount offer on.

Post some pics up as you’re on with the job, and ask away with any questions as there is tons of knowledgable folk on here

[Luxobarge]

As above, I do use PFV online for most spares, I've always found them cost effective and efficient, and the quality of parts has been fine so far. Occasionally (e.g. the PCV system) I buy from Volvo, but I go via Simon at FRF Swansea who is very helpful and gives a good discount to forum members (Discount C3). I get consumables and some other bits from local motor factors Andrew Page or Euro Car Parts etc.

Cheers!