Hey all,

I'll be doing my first head swap tomorrow and am curious if there should be any coating applied to the gasket prior to installing it. I haven't looked to see what the manual says yet (don't have it handy at the moment), but seem to remember seeing stuff in the goop section at the auto parts store that said it was for head gaskets.

Otherwise a head swap is pretty straight forward, right?

Thanks!

-aric.

If it is an Elring gasket or equivalent ( graphite composition style ) then do not use any sealer. Clean the head and block, wipe them with lacquer thinner or other volatile solvent, and assemble dry.

The box doesn't say what it is, but its black kinda-but-not-really-papery-looking compressed stuff so my guess is that's what it is then.

Thanks!

-aric.

Every gasket I have seen has the manufacturer ( at least the intials ) stamped into it. If you don't know whose gasket it is, how do you know it is the right one for your application? There are different thicknesses, as well as different cylinder diameters. Its very important for performance to have the right thickness.

Most important factor in installation is doing a proper head bolt torque.
First make sure that both the threads in the block and on the bolts are clean.
Put a couple of drops of motor oil on the bolts. Torque using proper pattern to approx. 65 - 70 lbs. (Volvo specified different torques for different B18/B20 engines. ) in 2 stages. Follow by a final torque once the engine has been run up to temp.

Regards,
John
V-performance.com

Yes, it is a straightforward installation.
No, do not use any sealer on the head gasket.

Don't forget to install the new water pump "O" rings before you set the head down