Volvo 940 head gasket replacement difficulty level?

1Matthias · Post by **1Matthias** » 24 Jul 2018, 08:47

So, the headgasket on my 1993 volvo 940 (B230FD engine) has sprung a nice big external leak along the drivers side, and it's now leaking all along cylinders 1 to 2. How hard is it to change the head gasket, and what all parts and tools are needed? I've done some research, but wanted to ask people who had done it before. Also, what might have caused this? As far as I know the car has not overheated, at least while I've owned it.

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 25 Jul 2018, 08:05

Head gasket failures don't seem to be extremely common on red blocks, but that doesn't mean it can't happen.

I haven't personally done a head gasket on a red block, but I know it isn't too hard of a job. Just order a complete gasket kit from a good parts source like FCP, eEuro, or iPd. Avoid Proparts/Scantech if they still make these kits. Most other brands are fine.
It seems head removal is just a basic unbolt the things in the way and remove it. Nothing special to worry about.

Check out this thread: http://forums.turbobricks.com/showthread.php?t=16798.

93Regina · Post by **93Regina** » 25 Jul 2018, 19:12

bmdubya1198 wrote: ↑25 Jul 2018, 08:05It seems head removal is just a basic unbolt the things in the way and remove it.

There is a sequence to removing head bolts, and of course, a sequence to tightening them down.

RTFM

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 26 Jul 2018, 08:02

93Regina wrote: ↑25 Jul 2018, 19:12
bmdubya1198 wrote: ↑25 Jul 2018, 08:05It seems head removal is just a basic unbolt the things in the way and remove it.
There is a sequence to removing head bolts, and of course, a sequence to tightening them down.

RTFM

Well yes, of course. That's definitely information to have on hand while doing this job.

1Matthias · Post by **1Matthias** » 26 Jul 2018, 12:44

Ok. So there aren't really any hidden complications?

Yeah, I did find it odd that the gasket failed. However, I'm finding a lot of deferred/incorrect maintenance from the PO, so it might have been another surprise from them. At least it's just leaking coolant down the side of the block, and not into the oil or vice-versa.