Head Gasket DIY

[brad999]

My brother's Volvo 850 T5 has just had a head gasket fail at 190k. Been quoted £1500 from a Volvo indie garage, which seems a little high... Considering attempting it ourselves, but i've never done a head gasket before, although I do consider myself fairly competent with a spanner.
So how difficult is a head gasket on a T5?

[Incorrigible]

brad999 said:

My brother's Volvo 850 T5 has just had a head gasket fail at 190k. Been quoted £1500 from a Volvo indie garage, which seems a little high... Considering attempting it ourselves, but i've never done a head gasket before, although I do consider myself fairly competent with a spanner.
So how difficult is a head gasket on a T5?

It's very time consuming to do it properly, hence the high quote. If you're methodical you should be fine.

Give it a go, what's the worst that can happen ?

And if you're unsure, ask. That's the beauty of t'internet

[Steffan]

No more difficult than a head gasket on any modern engine.

All the usual rules apply ie torque setting on rebuild, skim the head every chance its warped, label everything before removal, mark all the gear position etc etc, fit new cam belt.

Big question why has the gasket failed.

This is known as a strong engine.

Is there an undetected problem with cooling, thermostat etc.

Gaskets on these engines do not blow without reason.

Take your time get a manual have a plan.

Finally this` site may help http://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums/viewtopic....

Good Luck

[Justin S]

Although it could well be just a head gasket , do check the liners , as five pot liners crack between cylinders 3 and 4 which can give the same symptoms. I have never tried such a head gasket on a 5 pot, but as said be methodical with your work and be patient with siezed bolts at that mileage. Good luck.