I have the option to buy a 1991 240 wagon with a blown head gasket. On the 86 240 I own now, I have done all the work myself, including the timing belt, brakes, suspension, etc.
Is there anything that would make the blown head gasket not repairable?
The rest of the car is in great condition.
Thanks
Michael

If you haven't already click here to read about headgasket replacement in the FAQ's.

Randy

If it dumped coolant into the oil when the gasket let go, and they did not immediately shut it down ( " I just wanted to make it home! It was only 5 more miles."), then the bottom end is probably trashed and it is junkyard motor time.

Check for coolant in the oil, and vice versa, and use that in price negotiations if you are willing to do a motor swap.
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Gary Gilliam Sumerduck VA,' 94 940 Regina, '86 240GL

Do as Volvodad said and have the head checked at the shop. Pressure check and micro flux for cracks and warpage. The engines on the 91 and the 86 are almost exactly the same so you should not have any surprises. Make sure to torque in proper sequence. And add bolt lube to the head bolts in order to get a correct torque reading. Do not retorque once you have it up and running as it has upgraded headbolts that do not require that. Watch the sequence of the cam tightening as you can snap one if done wrong.... Max:<)
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Max..1989 244 DL 5 Spd., V15 Phase II Cam Bilstein HD, Turbo Swaybars, Poly Bushings all round, Turbo Wheels, Black leather interior, Electric mirrors, LED dash and gauge lights and now NEW ECODES with the turn signals, 1992 black 244 next project

Based on the work you've tackled already, you're more than competent to do the head gasket R&R. It's just a lot of nuts and bolts, some requiring an accurate torque wrench to reinstall, and you'll need new cam cover, intake and exhaust gaskets, too. It's all too easy to get caught up in the "might-as-wells" but you have now done a lot of the labour involved in replacing the water pump and t-belt. In any case, you should get a new pump-to-head seal, and make sure the mounting surfaces are clean.

The only hesitation I'd have with the purchase is that blown head gaskets are often the result of significant engine overheating, which can warp the aluminum head. Fixing that problem can range from a few dollars at a machine shop to a replacement head.

Removing the timing belt and ensuring that the camshaft turns OK with a socket on the sprocket bolt probably means the head is not severely warped. While it's off, have it checked and if necessary, skimmed flat at a good machine shop. This may save you from having to do the whole job over again in short order.
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Bob (son's 81-244GL B21F/M46, dtr's 83-244DL B23F/M46, my 94-944 B230FD and 89 745 (LT-1 V8); hobbycar 77 MGB, and a few old motorcycles)