Ugly Duck wrote:
A block of wood and a soft hammer should work out a bunch of issues, but I don't know how bad it is or how much time you want to spend on it. I'm sure you could find a replacement in better shape if you ask around, or if you wanted to do some dressup there are some fancy alloy aftermarket ones. I'm using IPD's neoprene valve cover gasket on my stock valve cover, works great, but it doesn't work so hot on another member's alloy cover.
As far as transmission bearings, try TSL (Transmission Supply Limited) on 42 Ave SE. You'll probably need to know what part numbers you'd like, so if you pull yours apart you should be able to get some numbers off the bearings. Is this an M40 or M41?
Have you met John Paulsen yet? He's not on the forum, I don't think, but he's one heck of a resource for parts. He's "the guy in Springbank". I can bring you out there one day if you like.
Yeah, that was the plan with the valve cover. Its in great shape, someone just overtightened it at some point so the screw holes have become considerably lower than either end. The cork gaskets I got from Olof at VIP are really thick so that should help.
I plan to tear into the transmission over the winter. It's an M40. The PO swapped in another transmission at some point as he said the OG one was grinding going into 4th. He gave me the OG trans along with the car (that is one small transmission!). I'll pull the one currently fitted and see which one is a better candidate for a rebuild. I'm leaning towards the one currently fitted as it shifts like a dream. Super slick but also very positive into each gear. I should probably swap in the bottle of Redline MTL90 I have laying around before condemning it all together. I would absolutely love to get my hands on an M41 if the price is doable as this car is a bit... "cacophonous" at highway speeds.
I haven't met anybody from the Volvo community yet but I live in Rocky Ridge so Springbank is right next door! It would be great to have a local resource for parts! Like I said, the car needs lot's of little things.
I'm looking forward to meeting some of you folks, checking out your cars and gleaning some of that Volvo knowledge!