I've got a '90 745 with what looks (to me) like a bad head gasket that's spewing fluid all over the place. Enigne is strong and turns over. No smoke. Clean emissions.
Someone suggested to me that it might be the flametrap that is causing the problem.
I picked up a new flame trap from IPD. My questions are...

1) Where does this thing go?/Where is the flame trap?
2) Will changing the flametrap fix the gasket leak?
3) I'm prepared to change the headgasket if needed, how much work is involved?
3a) Do I need to have the head machined? (See question 3)
4) Is this covered in the UK Haynes manual?
5) is there anything else I'm missing?


I'm looking to sell it at this point, since my wife is getting tired of the used volvo lot in our driveway.

Thanks in advance.

the paduwan volvo mechanic

What do you mean by "spewing fluid all over the place". Is this antifreeze or oil or both. Maybe give the engine a good cleaning so you can see exactly where the stuff is coming from. There's alot of wind blowing around in the engine compartment and fluids can get blown far from their origin.

http://www.brickboard.com/FAQ/700-900/EngineSealsBeltsVent.htm#Crankcase_Ventilation_A_Treatise


The above link (combined with the rest of the 700/900 FAQs) will answer more than you ever wanted to know about the flame trap. Replacing the flame trap and servicing the rest of the PCV system can often clear up leaks from the oil seals (valve cover gasket, cam shaft seal, intermediate shaft seal, crank shaft seal, & rear main seal). Head gasket leaks are not due to flame traps...and usually have symptoms more noticeable than just a messy engine bay.

Replacing a head gasket is an involved job, but is easier on these cars than many others. Again, the 700/900 FAQs will guide you better than the Haynes manuals (though I do like the pictures in the Haynes).