1995 Volvo 960 straight six automatic head gasket blown

Vikingscrazy · Post by **Vikingscrazy** » 19 Oct 2009, 00:26

I have a 1995 960 straight six with a blown head. Please if someone would reply with what should be replaced and repaired. The dealership is telling me i have to replace every gasket including intake, exhaust, and water pump gaskets. Is this all true? I believe the head gasket, valve cover gaskets, and end and top seals should be replaced. I also believe the bolts should be replaced new. Please let me know how and what should actually be done to ensure i have no problems in the future. Also, where could i get genuine Swedish parts besides the dealership to possibly save a little money.
Thank you for any replies,
Paul

danr960 · Post by **danr960** » 19 Oct 2009, 10:54

I agree with the dealer, for a head gasket change, the intake, exhaust gaskets, cam seals, spark plug o-rings for sure, since a dealer has to guarantee their work they might also want to do injector seals.
The water pump gasket does not need to be replaced for a head gasket change.

Head bolts are spec'd by length. If they exceed a certain length then they should be replaced, I did not change mine at 150K miles for a head gasket replacement. They need to be extremely clean and oiled, the engine block threads need to be chased clean too.

Buying parts from the dealer ship is expensive, try FCP Groton, but make sure you specify OEM Volvo parts.

It might also be an ideal time for timing belt and idler pulleys and tensioner? Maybe the dealer can make a deal on other work.

DanR '94 964 343,000 miles (109,000 on the new engine)