This is good feedback. The car runs, but not like cars with burnt valves or bent valves (ask me how I know). It wants to run, but can't. bad Actually it can, it just sounds like it has bad lifters, and cannot run consistently / evenly with changes in revs. Pulling it through a cycle with the wrench, it feels normal as can be. It's just very loud, like a semi collapsed 944 lifters or bad injectors type noise, but not missing compression noise.

Perhaps researching an nova indie would be wise.
I will also need to diagnose the cause of the breaking accessory belts. This is a deeper story for another night, BUT, something ain't right, and let's just say, the last time I used and indie to diagnose the same car for the same problem, and insisted whatever was trashing the accessory belt get fixed, well- it didn't happen.

Folks, this b#$% sucked in an accessory belt last January and trashed the whole thing. This is a new head that just got retrashed.

(story thickens...):rolleyes: Fool me twice. Shame on me.

Sounds like a doubly super dooper vacation is now due.

Man, Id be spitting nails . Ill consult the auto repair gods tomorrow, and beg for some good luck for you

LOL- Thanks! At this point, all I want is to have that POS in my garage, with my tools, letting the cool fall breeze waft in and deal with it in peace. So I fix the second head. I've done this before in past lives. I don't see how something DIDNT bend, but it's running pretty darn good for something with a bent valve.

The past mechanic had such a hard time with it, I am not going to bother him. He paid his dues. I shall not drag him down. This is my white whale.

Now that you mention it, I remember that thread where you were replacing the head. Hey, the second time is always easier !

Rent a u-haul one way? Tow it.

rjp

My guess is if you get the valve timing set correctly, it will run fine. Hopefully!

There's a very strong Porsche community in that area and tons of independent Euro car shops. I mean tons, like think coastal CA numbers. If I put my thinking cap on, I might be able to remember a few. I haven't lived there in 13 yrs. The local Porsche BBS is dorkiphus.net and those guys know everything and everyone in the area.

Thanks for all the advice guys. Today, I'm getting some energy back. Since my inlaws are heading our way, I might just look into this getup to see if it will help them. Still looking at options, all options, including nova indie shops. I'd take indie all day over dealership.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1634079413.jpg

They've got a house full of stuff and could benefit from cleaning it out a bit before showing it on the market. I'm going to research prices and talk to them. (They've also got a harley that needs to come down somehow.)

Also mentally trying to figure the accessory belt problem (it always seems too tight and looked to be visibly canting the pulley orientation when I put the new belt on Sunday due to excess tension)-This will need to be addressed no matter what, by me, and my neurotic self.

And of course I looked at a newish v60 and v90 on the lot today. Fun to dream, and I was impressed with the touch screen controls (I thought I'd hate them). I will probably wimp out and fix this car though. Junk is my DESTINY!!! :D

Are you a Facebook member of any of the Volvo Groups? You could always post on there your location and request for recommendations of indy mechanics.

People complain about FB all the time but I guess they may not use it as a resource like I do.....

That's another good idea. I was just on FB looking at shoes, model railroads, porsches, long distance bike touring, bike derailluers, cameras, and FB even suggested a forum for people who liked to look at pictures of cool clouds. :)

Adding a volvo site makes sense.
Where I'd really pick their brain is the proper tightness of the belt. From what I've read, it's tight, but this is beyond tight. This is where I need experienced feedback.

I'm a member of three groups:

1) Volvo Owners of North America

2) Florida Volvo Community

3) San Diego Volvo Sports America


You'd get everything you wanted if you hooked up with one of them. There should be one based in Virginia, I bet, if you looked. The Florida one has this state covered!

Try #1 above...Volvo Owners of North America

You know it's a freaking cult when they post stuff like this.....:D

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1634083757.jpg

Ha! I know that dash! That's the same lighting scheme I use "performance mode". Also guessing that model car is earlier series than the dash, but someone updated the rim size on it. Def R sized toy rims! (with a spare in the back) :)

Hey, is that the groups spambot entrance exam? :D

Edit- My wife claims she can get a u-haul truck and car trailer for $240 for the mileage. That seems cheap. If this checks, we can load up the Car, their Harley, AND their Vespa scooter, and a bunch of other random garage stuff/ bikes/skis/ tools/etc. I'm going to call U-haul tomorrow to check into this.

Reminds me of a joke a taxi cab driving school in NYC used in regards to U-haul for their new taxi driving students.
"When's the last time that driver drove a U-haul?- NEVER!!!! Stay away from them!!!!"

In my case- I actually have driven a U-haul through manhattan. That experience transfers. I could do this. :)

You should join the group anyway:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/704439616407239

I think I will. I could use the feedback. If for no other reason, I appreciate seeing people crazier than I am to justify my own niche habits. Gives me a sense of normalcy.

So many resources on FB.

Arcade games (I have an Asteroids machine), Hawk (I have a 250), Mako (I have a '79 19'), the Volvo, Australian Cattle Dogs, Surfing, Bicycles, and more......all have been very helpful for me.....

I broke a timing belt on my Accord a few weeks ago. It will run and idle fine, until warmed up. It has a few bent valves, but is still drive-able. Revs fine, until it has a load put on the engine.

Cross your fingers, and check the timing marks.

Hopefully your issue has to do with voltage being down because the accessory belt got lunched. Good vibes sent your way from here.SmileWavy

I could probably find out for you. Didn't you say there was an alignment issue, too? Post a picture and your questions and I'll run it by a good Volvo tech.

Yes we know
facebook told us