"Volvodad - Interesting that the shop fixing your brick was in Atascadero, I'm in San Luis actually."

- I was living in Solvang at the time I had the cyl head problem. That shop is on Traffic Way in 'Dero...big, BIG operation. My other choice was a place in Ventura, but we decided on the basis that by going North, we could play golf at Hunter Ranch in Paso! Non-optimal decision process - but lucked out.

"The funny thing is that I drove over the grade both ways and parked twice before this happened."

- if you went both ways you passed the big test, which we know is going northbound.

Anyway, I think unless you have some experience with thread chasers or helicoil, leave it to a known good shop. Can't recall the name of the Volvo dealer there in SLO, but some of my old Central Coast pals spoke well of them - maybe they can steer you to a good repair place...or ask the 'Dero shop about it.

Best of luck!
--
Bob (son's 81-244GL B21F-M46, dtr's 94-940 B230FD, my 83-244DL B23F-M46, 89-745(LT1 V8), 98-S90, 77MGB and four old motorcycles)