Well I did a compression test yesterday and sure enough that bang was the head gasket going,#1 and #4 have 150 psi and #2 and #3 have 50 psi; so I bet that the bridge between them is toast.Who makes the best head gasket and or gasket kit to use and does the head bolts have to be replaced?Can I pull the head without removing the ex manifold by disconnecting the turbo from the down pipe or is it better to remove the manifold?I have been soaking the studs with PB blaster for a couple of days.
I also should probably replace the turbo oil return pipe seals as well,I am going to replace the distributer assembly,it's is original with 165k on it and it leaks badly, IPS has a rebuilt one for I think $180.00.Is the VX cam a good cam to install or the new "turbo cam" from IPD?They have specs like(turbo cam) IN+ EX lift .466 and 256 duration and overlap 32 or (vx) IN .452 and EX .424 duration 245(in) and 236(ex) with overlap 18.5 ,how is the idle quality and how well does this work with a auto trans;I already have a adjustable cam gear set at 2 degree advance.Thanks for all the valuable info!
Scott

The "valve job" gasket kit I used for my '89 didn't have a water pump gasket but it should surely be replaced. Maybe do the pump also if it's over 75K miles old. If your head is not too warped and can be resurfaced I would recommend also replaceing the rubber devices on the valve stems that quiet the valves. They're probably pretty dried out and flattened by now. Be sure to suck all the oil and coolant out of the bolt holes. The o-rings on the distributor shaft aren't too hard to replace and are alot cheaper than a new one.

I installed an OE Goetze HG 254,000 miles ago and is still going strong.

Head bolts may be reused several times, so unless you think the head's been off a lot, new ones aren't necessary.
I'm a fan of Victor-Reinz gaskets, myself.

I appreciate the advice you are giving. (A replacement engine asks for attention here.)

Would you tell us, please, WHY you are a fan of Victor-Reinz gaskets?

Thanks!

E-Z; my 544 blew many other kinds regularly; V-Rs held up.

FCP Groton has the Scantech kit. Use that with a Felpro head gasket. Get new head bolts. May be a good time to replace the water pump while it is all off along with timing belt and seals.

Remove the exhaust. Should come off easy with the PB Blaster that you have used.

When I did mine on the 92 745t (RIP) - I did not replace the oil return gasket (very clean motor - well maintained) - but it is recommended. Actually one thing to really make sure of is the return tube itself, as it can get clogged. From what I have seen, many just replace it.

Others will have to address the cam info.
--
"Be blessed in your quest'' 89 764 (110K), '94 940T (180K) , '92 745T (totaled 2-10-05 RIP)

Andrew, you recommend the Felpro head gasket, as others have also.

They seem not to be readily found, or I am looking in the wrong places -- or both.

Can you please provide a lead?

Thanks!

I looked in my Quicken, and I paid 43.00 for it at Seminole Sales - and where that is I have no idea now. Anyway - here is a spot that has it for less.

http://www.fel-progaskets.com/default.aspx?referrer=google
--
"Be blessed in your quest'' 89 764 (110K), '94 940T (180K) , '92 745T (totaled 2-10-05 RIP)

Kragen/Shucks/Checkers has em. One of the local Napa affiliates has em around here. FelPro shouldn't be too hard to find. I bet if you asked nicely you could get one from FCP Groton or any Volvo parts house.

--
alex