Hello all,

Volvo 145 refurb saga update: ran 'er around for about a week, but never did get compression to come up in #1 and #4. In spite of oil in cylinder prior to testing, it had #1 50psi, #2 155psi, #3 155psi, #4 120psi. When the dang ol thing started to backfire, then stall and finally not restart at all, I just had er towed home. I thought maybe fiber gear had stripped but this appears ok. Dizzy point plate (actuated by vacuum retard) had come loose and points were closed - which explained lack of start. Fixed this good with epoxy to make 'er pure mechanical advance, no more vacuum retard. Pulled the head the other day and dropped it off at machine shop. Appears to be burnt exhaust valves in #1 and #4 cylinders. Also showed signs of slight coolant seepage past head gasket into #2 and #3. But the bottom end looks ok with no scoring of cylinder walls, no ridge, and good hone pattern from last rebuild. So the bottom end is gonna stay in the car and will get another run at life with refurbished head.

QUESTION: Which head gasket should I use? (1970 B20B engine) I always prefer OEM over aftermarket, but am tempted by IPD kit offering fat head gasket to lower compression - then maybe I could run regular gas with minimal ping problem. Can anyone comment on IPD kit vs Volvo OEM gasket? Does anyone know the match the various Volvo OEM B20 head gasket part numbers and thicknesses?

BTW, I did try searching the archives as this is undoubtedly has been discussed previously. However, I failed to come up with anything much. Site search engine could use some work. George was right - in a '70 145S it's a B20B not a B18B.

I sure appreciate all your help and moral support !

Later,
Al