Cheers BB'ers,

I have the pleasure of replacing the headgasket on my 88 740t. 150 psi in cylinders 1 and 4 and 50 psi in 2 and 3. I have a couple questions. Has anyone had to replace a headgasket because it simply wore out? This is what appears to have happened in my case. No overheating and no hard driving. The car has 243k on it. I know my model has a bi-metallic engine but I've never talked to anyone who's gasket just wore out. Usually the engine overheated or they tried to modify the turbo and not the engine. This leads me to my second question.

Is there anything in the construction of the volvo temperature gauge that would lend it to read normal when in fact the engine is hot? I've read the FAQ's regarding headgaskets, but does anyone have any suggestions before I start? This will be my first headgasket repair. With 243k do I need to have the head gone completely through or can I just replace the gaskets, have the valves ground and valve seals replaced? I'm on a student budget and will probably sell the car in the september before I leave for my teaching position abroad. I just read the post about dumping money into our cars and all I could do is shake my head and smile. and wince. Thanks,

J. Studer