[v8volvo]

Welcome to the forum. Sounds like a good project!

We'll look forward to hearing more about what you are working with, glad to help with any information we can give.

The reason it doesn't run could be due to loss of compression but it could also be any number of other reasons, many of which would be simpler to repair. Before assuming you need to commit to an engine rebuild you may want to spend some time assessing the condition of the fuel system, glow plugs and engine timing and test the compression to determine exactly what the problem is. If you're lucky it might need less work than you thought.

If you do any kind of work on the engine, at some point you will run into the need for special tools to set camshaft and injection pump timing and achieve high installation torque on the crankshaft center bolt. Members on here have successfully fabricated homemade copies of the factory tools and can share info on how to do it. Or, other members who own the factory special tools are willing to loan or rent them. Bottom line is don't let this become an obstacle for you because there are ways to get whatever you need without too much effort and little or no cost.

I might be the closest other forum member to you (central MT). If you come through the area you are welcome to get in touch. I would be happy to share tools, parts, or whatever else may help.

Good luck and we encourage you to start a thread about your car in the Member Showroom section to share your progress!