When recently changing the oil I happened to notice that the black
plastic spark plug access cover was cracked near the two rear bolts.
You know, the one with the BIG letters (VOLVO 20 VALVE) imprinted on
the top. First of all, am I naming this part correctly and second, can a
replacement be purchased at a reasonable price?

Thanks and Happy Memorial Day weekend!

I just fixed my using some gasket sealant. It should hold as there is no stress on this part. I used copper, which was all that was handy at the time. Black would look better, if looks matter...

I believe those engine covers are called "modesty panels" in the automotive business. I got that straight from Road and Track magazine, and I also heard the salesman refer to them that way when I went to test drive a new '04 Acura TL a few weeks ago (fantastic car by the way). Seems lots of do-it-yourselfers (myself included) can't stand those things, as you waste 20 minutes of your time trying to remove them and get to what it is you want to work on. The new BMW's and Benz's are getting obscence with how many damn covers and panels they have in the engine compartment, all in the name of looking trendy. I honestly can't see a good engineering based reason to have those. If anything, I would think they would inhibit cooling and airflow.

Anyway, I would think you could get one from a dealership but I wouldn't want to ask what kind of price they would get for it. I would try a local salvage yard first, or find a used parts supplier online.

I think they are put on to stop idiots messing....covers on my engine and throttle housing are all screwed in with Torx bolts so you cant undo them easily without a Torx socket. I know most hobbyists will have or would get the Torx sockets, but the average muppet would find his normal spanner won't fit and then leave it.

Carbon fiber replacements are available, but you can probably get one off an 850 in the JY with a blown motor for $10 or so.

Sometimes the panels are a good thing. They keep prying fingers from harm. Now, those with the mentioned prying fingers aren't the kind to ask about replacing it themselves, either. Still it's good to know that potential costs for my cars are held down because it's harder for people to hurt themselves without getting invasive and removing the covers.

Stupid frivalous lawsuits.