i just removed intake/exhaust manifolds (to replace gasket-combined on head on the b20) to paint them and replace the gasket (which had a crack on cyl. 4 intake)
im torn as to whether go the xtra yard and do the head gasket, which is not blown, but it is after all on the cusp of 30 years old...

what would you do?

what would jesus do???

ive only replaced one, on a dodge slant 6 about 10 years ago and im wondering what im gonna be in for and if there are any special things to look out for on a brick...
..that and i know volvo recommends no gasket dressing whatsoever, but im always inclined to slather blue hylomar on everything (i did the water pump a few months ago and it sealed up flawlessly with the stuff...i like it so much i once spiked my hair with it when i ran out of gel :)

should i let the gasket sit til it eventually disintegrates (how long do they last on these beasts??) or should i bite thee bullet and do it- and with or without the hylomar??

oh yeah, anoyone know if you can use POR-20 hi temp paint over rust?? they are vague about it...im thinking no but figured id check with the informed populace.
THANX!!!

if jesus drives a hummer, i am a satanist.

Remember that old advice If it ain't broke don't fix it. Maybe the center headbolt snaps off in the block because its the one that gets hot with the two exhaust ports. That could ruin your day. Maybe the new gasket will leak because you want to use some goo on it when everything and everyone says not to.
Jesus drives a Hummer. Probably he doesn't like Volvos.

if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

a head gasket lasts indefinitely, absent any other problem like overheating or cooling system corrosion.

I've never used dressing on a head gasket and I've rebuilt many engines and heads.

Volvo head bolts seem to be a bear to remove and retorque.