On my daughter's 86 I can reach the flame trap more easily if I first remove the distributor cap from the distributor, leaving the wires connected, and lay it out of the way toward the right headlight. That opens a passageway for my left hand to reach in and grab the bugger. My right hand goes in from behind the manifold. It's not a really hard job, just takes some patience. I can't imagine why a Volvo mechanic would tell you it takes two days. I'd find another mechanic.

You might also consider finding/buying a 2-foot length of 5/8 inch inside diameter hose. Stuff it on the breather box nipple where the flame trap assembly attaches, take off the oil filler cap, and blow by mouth through the hose. With a clean breather box you should be able to blow through easily. Your breath will come out the oil filler hole. Sometimes, especially after running a long time with a clogged flame trap, the breather box will also be clogged, in which case a new flame trap and associated plumbing won't help the PCV system much. It's unlikely that it is clogged, but worth checking since it's such an easy check to accomplish.

Good luck.
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Thanks to everyone for the help, Doug C. 81 242 Brick Off Blocks, stock, M46; 86 244, 140k , auto.