i just finished reading some posts about "the dreaded PRV" engine, and now i'm scared to death to buy the '76 Volvo 260 i've been so excited about for the past few days.
she's got 120k miles, and seems to have been pretty well cared for over the years...
from what i've read on the forum, though, the outlook is not good for her future.

it sounds like there are problems with the lubricating cababilities of the B27F motors, and that cam wear is a common problem. also, seems that corrosion in the cooling system can be trouble. wondering if there's a way that i can tell if these are issues for my particular beauty?

are there symptoms of cam wear that can be evident to me without getting too invasive with the current owner? would a compression test be the only way to know if the lubrication has been inadequate, or would i notice smoke and poor power if engine failure was at all emminent? the current owner recently had the radiator replaced because she was operating above normal temp...i wonder if that's a sign of trouble? she runs smoothly...at idle the engine sits perfectly still in the compartment, and she accelerate like a dream compared to the 4-cylinders i've had in the past. boy, that M46 tranny is nice!

anyway, would love some input on the best 260-series-pre-purchase-inspection practices, even if your advice is that should i just stay away from her at all costs, knowing that she'll fail, parts are expensive, and volvo tech's charge and arm and a leg to work on these suckers...