1990 B230F: Original Head Gasket Question

[LostFoam]

Greetings!

Looking for some insight into what type of head gasket might be lurking in an original 1990 B230F.

This engine is 30 years old and has never been rebuilt; and I don't want to wait for a corrosion-caused head gasket leakage mishap to visit me unawares. I prefer to take work like head servicing on my terms as opposed to playing the odds...

In particular, I have some concern from experience which points at corrosion failure over time with some types of head gasket designs, particularly the "Embossed Steel Shim" type. For quick reference, Fel-Pro gets into these matters in their general service literature, available here: https://drivcat.com/Docs/1425.pdf

So, what gasket type did Volvo place between the head and block of the B230F engine during original assembly back in 1990?

Anyone have experience with this?

Thanks again --

[93Regina]

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Genuine Volvo Part # 1378646 - Gasket. Fits 240, 260, 740, 760, 780, 940, 940 SE, 960.
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1983 thru 1995...B23F/B230F
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[LostFoam]

Thanks for posting, 93Regina

Was the original gasket used back when the 1990 engines were assembled the same as today's items? Gaskets are known to be updated/revised with better items as time moves on.

Would hate to assume and get bitten...

[93Regina]

Was the original gasket used back when the 1990 engines were assembled the same as today's items?

Many OEM parts used are created by other vendors. For instance, the rear axle bearings used on redblock Volvos were used on other RWD OEM vehicles, and had various part numbers:

This genuine Timken Wheel Bearing and Race Set replaces OEM and aftermarket parts 3230115 8124779 8130510 994262 410.9101 2881026 83503064 J3230115 JRN1579WSR A10 331459C JRN1579WSRA S510 U1579ZJJR 394730C91 0K72A26151 S10 BS226096 BB1579CNNV BB1579RUCNNV BT10S WB01275 WB1275 VCR4 402107S210 FS10A SET10SB BR10 35241 565903.

Product Description: Timken Set10, Set 10 Bearing (U399/U360L/K426898), Tapered Roller Bearing Cone, Cup & Collar Set, Tapered Roller Bearing Set; 1 9/16" ID x 2 7/8" OD x 0.7636" Wide; Class 2 (Standard); (U399/U360L)

Volvo would contract for a given part, and a vendor would make it.

Consequently, OEMs do change vendors, and technology evolves...what was made in say 1960 would not be better than what is made in 2020. Chances are, a 1990 head gasket would not be the same as what is made today. Usually, items like headgaskets are made better with time.