I will be fixing a leak between the turbo and manifold, caused by loosened turbo mounting bolts. While looking for parts, I found a couple of turbo places that sell T3 gaskets that go between the turbo and the exhaust manifold. One style is just a thin piece of stainless steel, the other is more or less a spacer block. So I have a few of questions:

1- I was told that if I use a simple straight edge, bright light, and eyeball check, and see no daylight, that I will not have to send the manifold & turbo off to a machine shop to have the mating surfaces milled to flat. And I was told the areas around the bolt holes are the most prone to warping. Is this true?

2- It is it advisable to dress the mating surfaces by hand?

3- Is there a reason that Volvo didn't use a gasket?

4- Which type gasket is preferable- the SS or the "spacer"?

5- If the mating surfaces are flat, should I use the SS gasket anyway?

6- If I use the "spacer" type, will this have an negative effect on the assembly?

7- And finally, I guegs the leak have been there for maybe 8K miles. Can I expect any erosion in the gap?

thanks in advance.

Rick