Need to do some preventative maintenace, and everything I have read says replace/clean the flame trap. I assume this is part of the PCV system. I was looking at the car last night and there is a line that appears to run out of the block, or head (it was dark) and wraps around into the throttle body area. There also seemed to be something under the intake that I could not see very well. Just trying to get my bearings on this, and are the parts I need available at say Auto Zone?? Thanks!

The parts can probably be found at an autozone type store, though I'd expect a NAPA to be more thorough about stocking what you need. The best is a foreign parts place, like FCP Groton or Volvoworld- both online supporters of this site. www.fcpgroton.com, www.volvoworld.com
There may well be reasonably priced dealers in your area. The parts for this job, even from Volvo are only a few bucks.
You'll want the flame trap itself, and its black plastic holder, and maybe the hose (FCP makes this a kit for $2.50) and you'll also want the throttle body gasket for $1. A couple cans of carburetor cleaner and an old toothbrush and you're in business.
First remove the throttle body. 2 vacuum lines, one electric plug (squeeze metal ring and pull) the hose clamp for the big black plastic air hose, and 3 13mm nuts. Also the throttle linkage comes off- unsnap the ball/socket at one end, the cap at the very end of it flips up to unlock it, then it pulls off easily. Spray it clean if you can't see how it unsnaps.
Once that's off, clean all the goo out of it with the carb cleaner, make sure all the vacuum fittings are clear, and make sure the throttle switch clicks when it closes. Set it aside.
Now you can easily get at the flame trap. It pulls out of the top of a breather box on the side of the block, as noted between 3 and 4 intake runner. The hoses to it should pull off easily, but remove them and clean them if there's gunk in there. The flame trap itself is usually partly plugged- toss it and install the new one after making sure the two are shaped the same (there's a straight one and a bent one, I think you have the bent one.)
While the TB is off inspect the air hose to the intake for any holes. I just had to replace this on my 86 ($14 from FCP groton). Good luck!
NEXT WEEK: Soldering your fuel pump relay
(And I gotta love anyone with a name like that... started my automotive obsession with Mopars)
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Rob Bareiss, New London CT ::: '86 244DL- 215K, 87 244DL- 230K, 88 744GLE- 198K, 91 244 180K

Thanks all for the help, the motor is not leaking and I would like to keep it that way! Back to work... :-) Aye, big block Darts rule!! have a look at this site if you get bored, www.bigblockdart.com.

1. Do a search in the board.
2. Flame trap is right side of the block under the intake manifold. Takes a lot of body flexibility to get at it.
3. You can move it up, within easy reach using a 5/8 niple and hose (cheap).
4. IPD (www.ipdusa.com) sells a kit to relocate it. (expensive)
5. Parts to do comment 3 yourself: local hardware store and www.fcpgroton.com

Final comment, be sure to at least clean the flame trap every oil change to extent the life of your engine. A clogged trap will cause numerous oil leaks.

Enjoy the brick.
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1987 - 240 DL 76k mi

The flame trap housing is located under the manifold between 3rd and 4th runner. Input tube comes up from the oil separater which is a plastic box low on the block at rear. Output tube goes to the intake bellows hose. There is also a thin vacume line that goes to the manifold. The only part you need is a 10 cent dime size plastic disc with holes in it (dealer cost is most likely several dollars) You can clean the old one. You may find you have a sheet metal filter thingy in there, throw it away and get the plastic disc. Make sure the vacume line and brass fitting at manifold are clear.

Some find it difficult to extract and separate the flame trap housing, it is tight space in there.

There is info on this in the 700/900 FAQ section which applies to your engine.
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David Hunter