1989 Volvo 240 made in Sweden, 344579KM, B230f NA engine, AUTO, original everything, doesn't burn oil or coolant but leaks oil, car has old ODB1.
Engine oil seems come out from where the head and engine block contacts and only on exhaust side. compression test shows 178psi all cross. need to top up 1qrt(sometimes 2) between oil changes, PCV everything took out and cleaned.
Occasionally pop a code for running lean. Checked cylinder with borescope, looks clean, no scratch. Spark plugs looks bit white/grey. Car runs perfectly fine, bought about 2 years ago, $1800 CAD.
Really like this car, but also don't want to waste money. Should I leave it that way (will it go worse in a short time?), pay a shop to replace the headgasket or can I simply re-torque the head nut (will it work or mess up more suff)?
Thanks!
well the vehicle is starting to show it's age. Leaks will only get worse. Tightening the bolts might slow it down but not stop it, but they could also just snap off. You can ask how much a head gasket job will cost, but your vehicle probably isn't worth that much so that could be a waste of money.
Hi,thanks for the answer. That's exactly my concern, the shop price aren't too high but if I want to take that thing apart many other things will due change too , I guess I will just leave it alone and see how far it can go.
Maybe it's cheaper to keep putting oil into it.
if the leak is bad (like dripping on the ground), you could try some thicker oil, or even a stop-leak product.
Thanks for the advice, I tried Lucas leak stop during summer but didn't help much. Now its winter and where I live is pretty cold, so I only use the spec oil to keep it flow better. I feel on this old engine better lubrication is more important than the leaking issue. But I will try something else next summer.
Saab had a TSB for a similar problem that develops on their 2.3 engine. The factory recommended retorquing or replacing the head bolts, one at a time with the engine cold. Maybe check and see if Volvo had a similar recommendation for external head gasket drips.