Following refers to Volvo dealership repairs:
Feb 2002 install A/C retro-kit; fix oil leaks incl/ replace valve cover gasket, oil cap seal, camshaft seal, crank shaft seal, breather box and flame trap. (With other maintenance, bill was $3010.00.)
June 2002: Timing belt fails, found to be oil soaked. Oil leak repair (?).[Non-dealer shop, as car had to be towed.]
Fall 2002 to present: Take car in for oil leaks at least 4 times, with camshaft seal replaced (October 25), cam bearing resealed (December 13). They keep giving us a free loaner car, we keep leaving the car at the shop for periods of up to 2 weeks and each time return with car, finding a small pool of oil under it the next morning.
Present: Dealer advises replacement of cylinder head with reconditioned head ($950.00). Questioned, he states that apparently there is excess play where camshaft enters head (?). Asked if this is common problem, he says it's the first time he's heard of it. Asked if he can guarantee this will solve the problem, he says no, he cannot.
At this point we are skeptical of the diagnosis procedure in this shop. The $950 would not be so bad if it would actually fix the problem.
Any comments or help?