10 replies to this topic

[msm15]

I have the opportunity to get a N/A 99 s80 with 92k for about really cheap, whats the problem - the head gasket. I would like to do the work myself - but not sure what I am getting my self into. The PO had been doing a lot of work himself like the timing belt and regular maintenance but doesnt want to deal with the H.G.

To date I only have experience with 850s and s70 (98) turbo's - but I have done a ton of work on them and I am very familiar with those cars, but I have no experience with P2 cars.

I got a print out of the detailed instructions on the head gasket from Vadis, but I would like to know from others who have done a head gasket on the 2.9 engines - what I am in for.?

Do I need any special tools ? Is it any harder then the 5 cylinder older white blocks ?


thanks

[mdlimy]

same concept as a 5cyl white block, if you have done a hg on one of those you should be fine, if you have never done a hg on a whiteblock your in for a learning experience

[Jaxx]

How did the head gasket fail? overheating? You might be looking at more than just a 'simple' head gasket replacement.

[msm15]

Jaxx, on 13 November 2009 - 07:06 AM, said:

How did the head gasket fail? overheating? You might be looking at more than just a 'simple' head gasket replacement.

Yeah I know, thats what I am a little afraid of. I will find out today when I see it in person.

[rbodor3]

is it cheap enough to be worth a failing transmission? recall the early S80s are notorious for their failing tranny's.

Reading that it's a N/A, the PO did all the maintenance himself including timing belt, and now they have a broke head gasket but don't want to tackle themselves.... Seems to me the car is in piss-poor shape. I bet once you dive into the engine bay and get a closer look you'll start noticing a bunch of other stuff that has been neglected/poorly maintained. Make sure the juice is worth the squeeze

[Ihatespeedbumps]

Replacement of the head will be like any other white block. The difference here will be setting up the intake CVVT hub. You will need cam locking tools to do this job.

[msm15]

So I picked up the car for $600. its got 92k on it. There are no tranny issues, and there is no problem with the ETM. I took it for a drive and checked these things out.

So what does it need ?

1: the radiator is busted - bad hole the fluid drips right out.
2: rear O2 sensor is gone as well (or at least the heating element part of it)
3: the drivers door electric lock and power window are shot.

The owner said it has a bad head gasket - but I am not convinced yet - there was very little smoke coming out of the pipe - if its not condensation its oil but I dont believe its Coolant. But the oil is full of milk - there is a lot of back up pressure in the engine - I am guessing its related to the PCV system which hasnt been serviced yet.

Do these cars have a PCV system like the 850 and s70's ?

I checked fcp groton but I didnt see a kit for it

[MrWinkey]

It's possible the headgasket is at fault however with that mileage I doubt it. If coolant and oil are mixing I'm more inclined to think its a radiator breech with the oil cooler.

[msm15]

MrWinkey, on 15 November 2009 - 12:28 AM, said:

It's possible the headgasket is at fault however with that mileage I doubt it. If coolant and oil are mixing I'm more inclined to think its a radiator breech with the oil cooler.

yeah thats my thinking as well. I am going to swap out the radiator - but first I am going to do a compression test.

I cant find any parts relating to the PCV system for sale anywhere - am I missing something are they called something else in a N/A - I cam across an "oil trap" is that what I am looking for ?

thanks

[mlanctot]

My s80 lost compression in one cylinder, bad valve. Estimate to do a head job 3K. I got a used engine and swapped it. Life time guarantee...Erie Vo Vo...

[msm15]

mlanctot, on 15 November 2009 - 02:49 PM, said:

My s80 lost compression in one cylinder, bad valve. Estimate to do a head job 3K. I got a used engine and swapped it. Life time guarantee...Erie Vo Vo...

not worth it on this car . thanks though