So, after being told that it was basically impossible to change an S90 headgasket, we did it. I've spent most of the weekn on it, but we're in the final stages of getting the exhaust manifolds so tight that nothing will leak, which is a lot tighter than I expected. Anyways, we removed the head to discover that the reason the idle has been poor and that there was only 65lbs compression on the 6th cylinder is because, at some point, someone had dropped some piece of metal into the combustion chamber (idiot), and it banged around for a bit before nicking the valve seat a good bit on its exit. So we had a machine shop fix up the head all spiffy, and we spent a good while cleaning everything off. It went back together and started on first try, but leaked gas and exhaust as I forgot a hose and the manifolds weren't tight enough. Now, it runs quite good, we have 175-185lbs compression in the 6th cylinder, and we're on the home stretch.

We didn't use those crazy volvo cam-squeeze tools. We used 2 four-inch C clamps on either side of the cover (4 total) with slabs of oak in-between, and it worked wondefully. This should get put into the FAQ for these engines as an alternative to the volvo tools. It was easy, cheap, caused no damage to anything, and worked quickly.

Finally, a question: what type of shocks do you get for these cars? Are they the same as other 940 shocks? Our car does NOT have nivomat. I'm having a hard time finding options on what to buy. One of the shocks decided to pee out it's hydraulic fluid while we have had it in the garage this week. Stupid things.... anwyays, thanks again,

Nate Gundy
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'86 240DL sedan, 260K miles, M46, K cam, 25/21mm sways, 260 front and wagon rear springs; http://valvespringcompressor.weblogs.us/