Is this head usable or is it dead....

timofthomas · Jan 24th, 2009, 14:28

Corrosion problem around three of the water channels into the head - the gasket had blown around two of them..... is this reusable, can it be repaired with one of those liquid metal solutions or is it dead as a doornail? (if dead can I send it in to Volvo for them to have a look at under the lifetime care thing?)

The two bits on the ends seem to have been dead end channels - i.e. channels in the red block but not the head - so with a blanking plate in the gasket, they could be protected?

The middle one I am not so sure...

davebslater(uk) · Jan 24th, 2009, 14:37

oooh thats a bad one , you need to weld properly then skim it .

CTCNetwork · Jan 24th, 2009, 14:42

Hi,

The "Lifetime Care" warranty from Volvo would only apply if the car has a full and complete service history from Volvo. And even then may not cover everything that may be wrong..

If you have 250k+ miles on the engine, was the engine re-bored and had a new set of cylinders fitted (etc for the 250k mile scheduled service) for example?

Would probably be easier to source a good condition 2nd hand head...

Des. . .

timofthomas · Jan 24th, 2009, 15:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by CTCNetwork

Hi,

If you have 250k+ miles on the engine, was the engine re-bored and had a new set of cylinders fitted (etc for the 250k mile scheduled service) for example?

I wish - this one has barely 150k miles on it - so I am shocked at this level of corrosion.

I agree about sourcing a second hand head though - it's probably not much more expensive than welding up and skimming around here....

Clan · Jan 24th, 2009, 16:30

Thats due to lack of coolant inhibitor . If it always had full strength volvo coolant that wouldnt have happened , Its a long term thing that corrosion and would have got worse quickly if off the road for a couple of years with poor coolant in .
A used head as stated above is the best way forward now ...

foggyjames · Jan 24th, 2009, 21:44

Agreed - almost certainly due to a chronic shortage of corrosion inhibitor over many years. New head (or major surgery) is required.

I have a very clean one from a 1997 B230FT (same head, but with sodium filled / coated valves, to stand up to the heat better) with 90k on the clock, as it happens...

Let me know if it's of interest.

cheers

James

adamsky01 · Jan 24th, 2009, 21:55

dont know if this of any help to u but euro car parts do new heads for ur car for around £500

timofthomas · Jan 24th, 2009, 22:24

mm - could have a 'new' 740 for that round here - we only paid 200 for this one so if we had to pay that again SWMBO would be in open revolt and the scrappy would be called while I was at work.....I will have to obtain a replacement 2nd hand head - though I am stuck with the thought of having to re-use this one at least temporarily for a couple of months until we can afford the replacement parts (we run out of car options next week as the tax expires on the 'spare' car) so I am looking for ways to jury rig this to run for now - any ideas? - and don't worry I can't sell her on in this state - it would not be fair to anyone!

If anyone wonders if they can not use the Volvo antifreeze with inhibitors...use this thread as a reason why they must!

PS, Foggy - would that fit a 2 ltr are the valves not larger? (if not I shall be a happy man!

foggyjames · Jan 24th, 2009, 22:56

'fraid I've seen it before on more than one occasion....but only once that bad. That engine has had a hard life

The heads on 2.0s and 2.3s are identical (well...close enough, anyway). That's why 2.0s make better power (proportionately) on stock heads than 2.3s. However, I may have access to a B200 head too, if you're bothered

cheers

James

Suterman · Jan 26th, 2009, 07:33

I have refitted a head like that before as I had no option, it didn't leak, as long as the corrosion is clear of the fire rings it should be ok.

Do what I did and use the time it gives you to find a decent 531.

Jan 24th, 2009, 14:28	#1
timofthomas Member Last Online: Dec 3rd, 2015 15:28 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Cheshire	Is this head usable or is it dead.... Corrosion problem around three of the water channels into the head - the gasket had blown around two of them..... is this reusable, can it be repaired with one of those liquid metal solutions or is it dead as a doornail? (if dead can I send it in to Volvo for them to have a look at under the lifetime care thing?) The two bits on the ends seem to have been dead end channels - i.e. channels in the red block but not the head - so with a blanking plate in the gasket, they could be protected? The middle one I am not so sure... Last edited by timofthomas; Jan 24th, 2009 at 14:36. Reason: pic links not working

Jan 24th, 2009, 14:37	#2
davebslater(uk) redbollock guru Last Online: Jun 30th, 2016 23:54 Join Date: Jan 1970 Location: lincoln	oooh thats a bad one , you need to weld properly then skim it . __________________ www.dbsmotorsport.co.uk

Jan 24th, 2009, 14:42	#3
CTCNetwork Forum Support Team Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Liège, Belgium View Photos By: CTCNetwork	Hi, The "Lifetime Care" warranty from Volvo would only apply if the car has a full and complete service history from Volvo. And even then may not cover everything that may be wrong.. If you have 250k+ miles on the engine, was the engine re-bored and had a new set of cylinders fitted (etc for the 250k mile scheduled service) for example? Would probably be easier to source a good condition 2nd hand head... Des. . . __________________ Density:- Not just a measurement ~ It's a whole way of Life.! ! ! I drive a Volvo, Please Don't Get In My Way! OldVolvos4Ever He shows up. People die. He vanishes. People should not be afraid of their governments. "He'll deliver more justice in a weekend than 10 years of your Governments should be afraid of their people... "V" courts & tribunals. Just stay out of his way." "I plan to."

Jan 24th, 2009, 16:30	#5
Clan Experienced Member Last Online: Yesterday 23:51 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: L/H side	Thats due to lack of coolant inhibitor . If it always had full strength volvo coolant that wouldnt have happened , Its a long term thing that corrosion and would have got worse quickly if off the road for a couple of years with poor coolant in . A used head as stated above is the best way forward now ... __________________ My comments are only based on my opinions and vast experience .

Jan 24th, 2009, 21:44	#6
foggyjames 300 Register Keeper Last Online: Jun 7th, 2024 15:35 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Nottingham	Agreed - almost certainly due to a chronic shortage of corrosion inhibitor over many years. New head (or major surgery) is required. I have a very clean one from a 1997 B230FT (same head, but with sodium filled / coated valves, to stand up to the heat better) with 90k on the clock, as it happens... Let me know if it's of interest. cheers James __________________ VOC 300-series Register Keeper '13 V70 D4 SE Lux '89 740 Turbo Intercooler '88 360 Turbo Intercooler '84 360 GLT '81 343 GLS R-Sport '79 343 DL '70 164

Jan 24th, 2009, 21:55	#7
adamsky01 back for now Last Online: Aug 17th, 2016 21:48 Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: gone	dont know if this of any help to u but euro car parts do new heads for ur car for around £500

Jan 24th, 2009, 22:24	#8
timofthomas Member Last Online: Dec 3rd, 2015 15:28 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Cheshire	mm - could have a 'new' 740 for that round here - we only paid 200 for this one so if we had to pay that again SWMBO would be in open revolt and the scrappy would be called while I was at work.....I will have to obtain a replacement 2nd hand head - though I am stuck with the thought of having to re-use this one at least temporarily for a couple of months until we can afford the replacement parts (we run out of car options next week as the tax expires on the 'spare' car) so I am looking for ways to jury rig this to run for now - any ideas? - and don't worry I can't sell her on in this state - it would not be fair to anyone! If anyone wonders if they can not use the Volvo antifreeze with inhibitors...use this thread as a reason why they must! PS, Foggy - would that fit a 2 ltr are the valves not larger? (if not I shall be a happy man! Last edited by timofthomas; Jan 24th, 2009 at 22:28.

Jan 24th, 2009, 22:56	#9
foggyjames 300 Register Keeper Last Online: Jun 7th, 2024 15:35 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Nottingham	'fraid I've seen it before on more than one occasion....but only once that bad. That engine has had a hard life The heads on 2.0s and 2.3s are identical (well...close enough, anyway). That's why 2.0s make better power (proportionately) on stock heads than 2.3s. However, I may have access to a B200 head too, if you're bothered cheers James __________________ VOC 300-series Register Keeper '13 V70 D4 SE Lux '89 740 Turbo Intercooler '88 360 Turbo Intercooler '84 360 GLT '81 343 GLS R-Sport '79 343 DL '70 164

Jan 26th, 2009, 07:33	#10
Suterman 240 Turbo Last Online: Jun 8th, 2024 07:21 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: shropshire View Photos By: Suterman	I have refitted a head like that before as I had no option, it didn't leak, as long as the corrosion is clear of the fire rings it should be ok. Do what I did and use the time it gives you to find a decent 531. __________________ 1991 240 Turbo GL 1992 940 GL 1996 940 GLE Turbo Auto 1985 Bedford CF2 B230E

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