So. It's time to do a headgasket on the 85.. since I'm going to pull the head, repair a few of the (spark plug, etc) threads, get it flea dipped, etc.

But what should I do about the gaskets and head bolts? Of course I'm fearful of ScanTech parts, but they're so cheap. Actually, Nick at FCP Groton seems to have reasonable prices on a gasket set made up of Elring gaskets. I've seen some suggestions that the ST set is okay, just get xyz brand of head gasket. Felpro? Volvo?

What about the head, exhaust manifold, turbo, etc bolts? Stick with Volvo? Go cheap? I'd like to not do this job again anytime soon. :)

- alex

'85 244 Turbo
'84 245 Turbo

I used the head bolts from fcpgroton, they've been fine for the last 17k miles. As far as the head gasket, I used Erling. Erling is volvo. And the Erling head kit they sell comes with everything including the vavle stem seals. No problems here.

I'm sure if you go to volvo for bolts you'll end up paying about 200 bucks.

Alex, I'm pretty sure the last head gasket I received from FCP was Felpro; I will check when I get home. Heard lots of comments about buying exhaust gaskets only from a dealer; don't know personally, I've been using Elring in much less demanding NA application with no complaints. Let us know if you find a good alternate source for the exhaust manifold studs.
--
Art Benstein near Baltimore

Yeah, I would feel comfortable with an Elring exhaust manifold gasket. As has been pointed out now, and many times in the past.. they're an OE supplier.

I guess if no decent aftermarket bolts stand out, I'll just go with the dealer. The local dealer is actually pretty good about keeping my business (good prices, very friendly parts guy).


Now to fix that crazy transmission on the wagon.. :)

- alex

'85 244 Turbo
'84 245 Turbo

Use Elring or Scantech everything except the head gasket: go to NAPA and buy a Felpro.

Would you explain the Felpro recommendation. I have no argument, I just like to learn.

I am told (no personal experience since I have not had a head gasket let go for a long time) that Felpro is superior to Scantech and on a par with the OEM but at less cost. Felpro is a great brand name in gaskets and specializes in selling gaskets that fix major OEM design problems (such as GM's Tech Four non-stop head gasket leakers.) The trade press seems to like them a lot.

I'm going to back up the general advice to use Fel Pro. Often you will see a "major name" parts distributor at Pep Boys / Autozone that provide mediocre or sub-standard parts. Fel-pro is a big name and is available at most parts stores -- I used to dismiss it as just another junk brand. Not at all. I found myself being "forced" to buy Fel-pro products on a few occasions, and I was quite impressed with the quality. Often they probably just re-box an OE part, maybe they make a lot of their own gaskets too, but I haven't seen them pushing low quality parts yet. And I'm pretty picky about gaskets.

$0.02

-Steve

Get a Bentley. Elring=Volvo. Re-use the head bolts and get the head evaluated and a valve job done. Make sure all your studs are up to snuff while the head is out. Fix that oil pressure sender and oil recirculator O-ring and have a look at the engine mount. Consider a couple of cycles of run and re-torque (one bolt at a time only). If you do need a turbo or will soon, this is the time.