Front camshaft seal is bjorked

"AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion)
10/24/2018 at 14:13 • Filed to: None

Glove test: failed. OEM parts are in my shopping cart, as well as a compression tester. Also considering getting an estimate from a Volvo specialist...

The Miata is still doing great at 350,000ish miles, but after driving the Brick.... Ugh. Miata feels so slow. Kind of want to lower it on summer tires again, but that would be rediculous in late October.

So the plan is to get the Volvo towed to an independent specialist, get a quote for necessary repairs and get a full inspection (should have done that in the first place). When they quote me something astronomical I’ll get the Brick towed back to my place where the repairs can begin in earnest. Or if I get a relatively cheap estimate, have them handle it.

DISCUSSION (22)

Chariotoflove > AestheticsInMotion
10/24/2018 at 14:23

At least you got an awesome gif out of this . All you need is “Kinja’d” overlaid on the Volvo.

facw > AestheticsInMotion
10/24/2018 at 14:25

A little scary to see this brokenness from an engine that’s basically the same as mine. Fortunately, while several things are wrongs, it is running fine. Most pressing issue is a small leak in a plastic part of the radiator , but I think I’ll have a shop fix that. Doesn’t look super hard to replace, but it does look tedious as messy.

AestheticsInMotion > Chariotoflove
10/24/2018 at 14:25

Oppo, make it happen. Wait, the Miata needs an overlay too....

*shock* *shook* *shooketh*

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > AestheticsInMotion
10/24/2018 at 14:26

I WANT AN NA SO FUNKIN BAD. JUST LOOK AT THAT PUPPYDOG FACE!.

AestheticsInMotion > facw
10/24/2018 at 14:28

Everything about this engine/engine bay looks tedious.

Except oil changes. Speaking of which I've seen big rigs with smaller oil filters....

AestheticsInMotion > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles
10/24/2018 at 14:28

Miata trying to stay positive

Chariotoflove > AestheticsInMotion
10/24/2018 at 14:29

I think the Miata’s reaction is all too clear. Man, I love that face on those things.

Sovande > AestheticsInMotion
10/24/2018 at 14:34

So basically what you are looking at with that seal is a timing belt replacement. Yes it is a pain in the ass and yes it is doable. There are plenty of tutorials. You will be looking at anywhere from $600 - $800 for that and about another $600 for the PCV. My advice is to get the parts, block off a day and start taking shit apart. You can do it all with a handful of tools and two handfuls of patience.

My next suggestion would be to call the guy who sold you the car and tell him to get fucked. It won’t help much, but it will make you feel better.

I suppose an alternative plan would be to get a small screwdriver and push the seal back in place with everything else still installed. Use a mirror and you can see under the cam sprocket. Then just replace the PCV and hope for the best. I would strongly advise you buy the Volvo blue box kit from FCP Euro or IPD and stay clear of anything marked “URO Parts.”

Sovande > Sovande
10/24/2018 at 14:38

Look up Robert DIY on the tubes and he will guide you through it. He is like a Volvo whisper and a super nice guy.

Spaceball-Two > AestheticsInMotion
10/24/2018 at 14:44

You might try Buttera in Juanita. They specialize in VW but I’ve seen them work on BMW and Volvo. Nice guys that always worked quick and tho rough on my A4. There is also Inglewood Auro in Kenmore. Jim there can pretty much fix anything with wheels.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Sovande
10/24/2018 at 14:46

Probably the easiest thing to do at this moment:

My next suggestion would be to call the guy who sold you the car and tell him to get fucked. It won’t help much, but it will make you feel better.

winterlegacy, here 'till the end > AestheticsInMotion
10/24/2018 at 15:06

The Miata is the cheery friend. No matter what, it does its best to make you happy.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > AestheticsInMotion
10/24/2018 at 15:30

You’re not going to listen my unsolicited advice, so I see nothing wrong with posting this:

You’re only out about 3 grand. There will never be a better opportunity to cut your losses t han right now... Well, now that that’s out of the way, good luck and don’t let a mechanic rake you over the coals.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > AestheticsInMotion
10/24/2018 at 15:45

What sovande said. You got this buddy.

GoodIdeaAtTheTime > facw
10/24/2018 at 16:51

Replacing the radiator sucks. It drops out the bottom with the condenser and intercooler (if equipped .) And good lord is it heavy and awkward to maneuver .

GoodIdeaAtTheTime > AestheticsInMotion
10/24/2018 at 16:56

If you decide to tackle it yourself, I have no problem loaning out my Volvo timing tools, for the cost of shipping . Not really required on an 850, but it makes things a hell of a lot easier. I may even have a degree wheel laying around if you want to play around with intake and exhaust timing, lots of gains to be had there...

MM54 > AestheticsInMotion
10/26/2018 at 11:35

Ouch. Hopefully it isn’t too outrageous to get squared away. You’ll want to change that oil-soaked timing belt too, rubber doesn’t like oil.

Tristan > AestheticsInMotion
10/29/2018 at 13:25

If you lived closer I’d jump in with tools and a Costco pizza and we could have it back on the road in a day.

On the plus side, you know all about the evil that is Volvo PCV systems now...

AestheticsInMotion > Tristan
10/29/2018 at 13:49

Oh man that would be awesome. Jumping into big car projects solo freaks me out.

Yes, I won't make that mistake again! I have a box of rubber gloves at the ready for the next inevitable Volvo purchase....

Tristan > AestheticsInMotion
10/29/2018 at 14:56

I miss wrenching on old cars with people... I haven’t had car-wrenching friends since I lived in Florida. :(

AestheticsInMotion > Tristan
10/29/2018 at 20:15

I feel your pain. My friends have moved away from car enthusiasm :( I think S tudystudystudy with the 2jz Datsun was the last person I turned wrenches with, and that was quite a while ago.

Did you see this? https://sovande.kinja.com/who-wants-a-c30-1

Tristan > AestheticsInMotion
10/30/2018 at 14:42

My friends didn’t quit it, fortunately... I have one friend who now lives in the UK. He’s got a Supra and a crew cab Hilux, and my other car friend took his XJ and V8-swapped Ranger and moved to Iowa. I, of course, moved to Oregon. I just haven’t found anyone like them since moving here- just regular guys that love to mess with cars, rather than the “#lifestyle” car bros you meet at various car meets.

There’s a new guy at work who talked about some of the cool cars he’s had... When he started talking about his 2008 Mark 4 GTI and his Cummins diesel Power Wagon (Power Wagon was Hemi-only) I decided to never bring up the subject again.

I saw Sovande’s C30. It’s beautiful and an amazing deal , but a small 2-door hatchback isn’t the right fit at the moment since I’m adding another car seat in a month and a half.