OK,

After messing up one gasket - by believe it or not inverting it end to end - I installed a second. Didn't completely pull the exhaust manifold back and "bounced" the head lightly on the rough surface of the manifold. Put it back together, started it, and of course it leaked.

This time, I have carefully disassembled everything, and had the head machined at a shop recommended by the local Volvo dealer. It was scratched in a couple places - deep enough that I could feel it with my fingernail. Using an Elring gasket set from FCP Groton for my 3rd attempt.

Here is my question........ I got paranoid after reading the posts in the archives about machining heads. I do not know how much was shaved off at the head shop, but I do know they know Volvos. And I know the head was completely original and had never been machined because we have owned the car since it was new in 1991.

What do I need to look for after putting it all back together that would indicate too little clearance? If all lines up with the timing belt am I ok?

Thanks for helping with this self-inflicted journey.

Dave
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