head gasgit

Apr 23rd, 2004, 09:47

On the 940s do the head gasgits go on a regular basis? on buying a new pump to cure a water leak problem i was told they sell a lot of them. The leak is still there but only tiny. when you start the car it fires on 3 for about 15 seconds then its ok. Im just wondering if the head needs doing and this is a common problem?

Cheers n beers steve.

Peter Milnes · Apr 24th, 2004, 01:41

In my experience it is certainly not the case that any Volvo is prone to head gasket failure. The 2,000,000 plus mile 1800 has only had the head off twice in all those miles.

All the best, Peter

Apr 24th, 2004, 18:28

Well 2m miles aint to be sniffed at i must say so ill have to alter the question to the pump/head again slightely. On using a mirror when fitting the pump i could see small black pit marks on the underside of the mating area where the pump locates upwards. Now as a toolmaker by trade i polished the bits of old gasgit off and all over the front of the block. I even worked out that the pump needs jacking up to squash the seal down but as its so darn close to the split line from head to block i cant be sure whats at fault and why the firing on 3 on start up when all the plugs dizzy cap and leads have been replaced?

Peter Milnes · Apr 25th, 2004, 00:28

It is possible that the firing on three may be due to fuelling problems such as a lazy injector or pulse from the ECU. Another reason may be that the tappets have been set a little tight on one cylinder which will give a similar effect.

There should not be any gasket material visible around the water feed hole. It may be pieces of old seal adhering to the bottom of the head. Sometimes a thicker gasket or even two gaskets may be fitted to the head. If this ois what has vbbeen done on your car you will need a slightly longer seal to accomodate the greater clearance. These are readily available.

Now if the head gasket has started to blow it is usually at the front left-hand corner. Basically it blows through from the number 1 cylinder to the water jacket which then progresses from the water jacket to the outside of the head/block joint area. This would show with a cold coolant pressure test, but not with engine hot.

Come back if you still need help and we will try some other suggestions.

All the best, Peter

Apr 23rd, 2004, 09:47	#1
livinabox Guest Location:	head gasgit On the 940s do the head gasgits go on a regular basis? on buying a new pump to cure a water leak problem i was told they sell a lot of them. The leak is still there but only tiny. when you start the car it fires on 3 for about 15 seconds then its ok. Im just wondering if the head needs doing and this is a common problem? Cheers n beers steve.

Apr 24th, 2004, 01:41	#2
Peter Milnes Premier Member Last Online: Apr 10th, 2014 00:01 Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Tonyrefail	RE: head gasgit In my experience it is certainly not the case that any Volvo is prone to head gasket failure. The 2,000,000 plus mile 1800 has only had the head off twice in all those miles. All the best, Peter

Apr 24th, 2004, 18:28	#3
livinabox Guest Location:	RE: head gasgit Well 2m miles aint to be sniffed at i must say so ill have to alter the question to the pump/head again slightely. On using a mirror when fitting the pump i could see small black pit marks on the underside of the mating area where the pump locates upwards. Now as a toolmaker by trade i polished the bits of old gasgit off and all over the front of the block. I even worked out that the pump needs jacking up to squash the seal down but as its so darn close to the split line from head to block i cant be sure whats at fault and why the firing on 3 on start up when all the plugs dizzy cap and leads have been replaced?

Apr 25th, 2004, 00:28	#4
Peter Milnes Premier Member Last Online: Apr 10th, 2014 00:01 Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Tonyrefail	RE: head gasgit It is possible that the firing on three may be due to fuelling problems such as a lazy injector or pulse from the ECU. Another reason may be that the tappets have been set a little tight on one cylinder which will give a similar effect. There should not be any gasket material visible around the water feed hole. It may be pieces of old seal adhering to the bottom of the head. Sometimes a thicker gasket or even two gaskets may be fitted to the head. If this ois what has vbbeen done on your car you will need a slightly longer seal to accomodate the greater clearance. These are readily available. Now if the head gasket has started to blow it is usually at the front left-hand corner. Basically it blows through from the number 1 cylinder to the water jacket which then progresses from the water jacket to the outside of the head/block joint area. This would show with a cold coolant pressure test, but not with engine hot. Come back if you still need help and we will try some other suggestions. All the best, Peter

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