2004 S60R Blown Head Gasket Maybe Cracked Head Dealer Says 4500 + 3500 If Cracked

[TIZIO AKA 1 HND MEC]

Without moving the car (eventually avoid other damages) rent/borrow or buy a $35 compression kit and do the test yourself, just don't jump on dramatic conclusions.Best Luck.

[Aayomofo]

They said they have a tool to see if gas is mixed with the antifreeze it was positive therefore they said head gasket or cracked. compression test is going to determine if cracked or just gasket? also has the rear cam seal leak if that matters with comp. test...

Im really wanting to sell it for a fair price to someone that wants the s60r specifically ...

[Burn-E]

So they did a test to determine if there was carbon monoxide (exhaust gas) in the coolant? If the test was positive - and they did it right - then you very likely have a head gasket failure or a cracked cylinder head.

Did they do a block check or a gas analyzer?

[Dick Dastardly]

You don't need a lift to change a headgasket.

or to do most anything on that car

[Ihatespeedbumps]

I have a strong idea of which S60R you purchased, if it was recently. I am in Nashville and work at a local shop (not one of the dealers mentioned) that specializes in Volvos and I've got a strong knowledge of R's. PM me if you'd like to have our shop give you another opinion.

If both dealers used a combustion leak checker, that is the most sure fire way of checking for combustion gases in the the cooling system. That means either the HG or sleeve(s) has been compromised. The sleeves B5254T4 are paper thin, unlike many other Volvo engines, and are especially prone to cracking when the engine has been over boosted or overheated. In the Contrary to what others have said, I've NEVER seen the 99+ oil coolers fail. Not one. Not saying it can't happen, just very unlikely.

My final piece of advice. The 04-07 R's are the LEAST maintenance friendly Volvo you can own. Just the nature of the beast, so keep that in mind as you move forward with repairs.

[FCP Euro]

I agree with everyone here. I would have a compression test done and get another opinion before you start dumping money into it. Definitely talk to IHateSpeedBumps and see if he can help you out or take a look at the car for you. You will definitely get an honest answer to what is wrong and a fair price to fix it.

[dougy]

I have a strong idea of which S60R you purchased, if it was recently. I am in Nashville and work at a local shop (not one of the dealers mentioned) that specializes in Volvos and I've got a strong knowledge of R's. PM me if you'd like to have our shop give you another opinion.

If both dealers used a combustion leak checker, that is the most sure fire way of checking for combustion gases in the the cooling system. That means either the HG or sleeve(s) has been compromised. The sleeves B5254T4 are paper thin, unlike many other Volvo engines, and are especially prone to cracking when the engine has been over boosted or overheated. In the Contrary to what others have said, I've NEVER seen the 99+ oil coolers fail. Not one. Not saying it can't happen, just very unlikely.

My final piece of advice. The 04-07 R's are the LEAST maintenance friendly Volvo you can own. Just the nature of the beast, so keep that in mind as you move forward with repairs.

I have 3 ..all on R models that were misdiagnosed by dealer, in an identical way...but contrary of all recommendation given above...as you and I have stated, carbon in coolant test will give the you the answer.

[Aayomofo]

Buy a Haynes manual for $40 and go from there. Even if you needed to replace the radiator, head, headgasket, oil pan, and everything else related to oil and/or coolant you'd still be <$1,500.

(Also, I agree that you should check your oil cooler FIRST and go from there. I'd just go ahead and replace it regardless honestly.)

So you want to make an offer? I can take pics and maybe ship if the price is right, not sure how shipping works with cars lol

[wizzard_al]

Also, while the R cars have thinner sleeves for the cylinders, another cause of head gasket failures is the heater core inside the car, they tend to leak, and if there was enough coolant loss, then the engine overheats, and blows the headgasket. See if there is fluid under the mats inside the car. The tend to stay wet for a very long timeqand that will be the clue that if you simply need to change the head gasket, you need to replace the heater core at the same time, to prevent the same thing happening. If that is the cause, and the engine is not suffering from a cracked block, and only a head gasket failure, whatever the cause, I think you are being quoted a very high price for replacing the head gasket. Need exactly one special tool for replacing head gasket, that is the tool to use to set the cams, or remove the top cover over the cams. Beyond that, normal tools to be used.

[Piston Slapper]

In the Contrary to what others have said, I've NEVER seen the 99+ oil coolers fail. Not one. Not saying it can't happen, just very unlikely.

I sell the O-rings that go between them and the block all the time. That's probably all he needs.

[Ol' Dirty Noodle]

Give ya $500 for the car... I'll even pick it up :)

[rmorse]

Give ya $500 for the car... I'll even pick it up

Dick.

I'll give you $550.

[Aayomofo]

I guess I am going to keep it... Hopefully I can find a buyer that can do the repairs them self. Im going to take some pics of it and put it up for sale and see what happens.

[Aayomofo]

If I keep it. Don't find a buyer, don't take it in to a shop and do the repairs myself. Would I be getting in to deep? As I am just a beginner tech. and don't have a lift just stands. I was told that I would be able to do anything I need to do to this vehicle myself. This is however the R and I'm just wanting more feedback on it, from as many sources as possible.

Thanks again,

AA

[EricF]

It seems you have gotten a whole lot of good direction here, but seem only interested in selling the car. What's the story? If you would like to pay to be a supporting member you can list it for sale here.

If it were me, I would take your local offer of help above from ihatespeedbumps and at least fix the car before trying to sell.

Let us know how it works out, and if you would like to sell it here there are proper ways to do so. Good luck!