For those of you who have been so helpful, last week I took my 92 960 wagon to an independent Volvo mechanic for a second opinion as you recomended. I asked him to show me what he found. He not only showed me my engine, but also one that was pulled out of a car with all the front stuff removed. I could actually see where the cam shafts are.
There is an oil leak on the upper left side of my engine, but it is impossible to tell if it's coming from the head gasket or the left cam shaft. The front cover, timing belt and wheels it rides on have to be removed to get a clear view of the source of the leak. His gut feeling is that it is the cam shaft, not the head gasket.(As several of you suggested)
So, since I have a 30k timing belt, we're going to replace the timing belt a little early. Additionally he will remove the stuff on the front to get a good look at the cam shafts and replace those seals. If he hears noise in two bearings, he will replace those also. Then he will put it all back together, clean the engine off, and then we will see if it leaks again. If I don't need the bearings, the cost is about $350. I'm gonna have it done on Thursday. It only takes a day.
It still might be the head gasket, but I like this approach much better. My first mechanic is an honest guy, but since my car is 11 years old, I'm probably better off with one that has been working on Volvo's for 20 years.
Once again my thanks to all of you.
Emma
sanjosemom@hotmail.com