Im planning on rebuilding a 360 glt that has done too many km. How hard is this. Is it best to remove the whole engine. Are most parts available still.....or should send I it away....an pay loads.....

Ideas kelvin

Engine out. no question. so much easier. i would imagine most parts would be available from some of the forum's business people who deal with volvo parts like dai and the like. and depending on your automotive level it can be done pretty quickly and easily.

The big question is are the bores worn? Having the engine rebored is a pro job only. It is very rare to have a worn crank so the rest is just replacing rings and shells etc. If the bores are ok then it is an easy DIY job as far as engines go.

How can you tell if the bores are worn? Sorry , but obvious question for novice restorer!

Head off and look at them. The big give away is ridge at the top of the block or any nasty score markes down the bores. What is the compression like?

I have to ask, why do you think it needs it? You may do a rebuild and not notice any difference. The main mechanicals are very robust and non-wearing. Bad running is usually some other issue, leaks, sensors etc.

I've done most other things...and the 360 GLT was only released here for 4 years...they tend to have high KM on them and hence...This one 180,000 miles....but original condition with new engine mounts. I've repaired and repsrayed before...but I want to make a mint car?

Hi Kelvin.
I am not a machanic but i would go with Ride-on here.
These 1986cc engines are pretty indistructable. Give it
a good service and keep on rolling
Cheers Mark.

I've decided I want a total restoration, so I was just wondering how hard it was......I would like to keep the 360 GLT for main drive

Mine has done 200K miles, I wouldn't consider bottom end work. Alternator bearing needed replaced, was the only issue I've had, maybe dirty coil. Gaskets need done occassionally (due to radiators expiring), and always worth give the head a clean and valve cleaning/grinding, new valve seals.

Having said that, they don't need it, but it would be nice to get that factory fresh new feel again. Maybe balancing the rods+pistons. They do get a little rougher with age. Thrust washers maybe?

Anyway easy I'd say.

Valve guide removal...is this hard...does it need to be done ever.

No need unless you have bent valves. Worn ones can be replaced with K liners

What's a k-liner?

It's a liner for valve guides. Depends on the engineering shop how well they fit them. YMMV


Cracked valve guide 2 by macplaxton, on Flickr