Hello, I have a 1982 volvo 244GL wagon with the 2.4L Diesel. It needs rebuilt and when going to order parts for it, there are 2 different headgaskets for it. One is the "1 and 2 notch" type, and the other is the "3 notch" type. Is there any way to tell what kind mine has without taking the head off to look at the number of notches in the gasket? Like a number on the block/ head or a certain digit in the VIN#?

Thanks, Spenser

 

1 and 2 notch type

3 notch type

 

yes, there is. the notches are visible with the head installed.
On the front left side of the head gasket. Looking down where the head meets the block you can see the notches.
Most will have the 3 notch gasket from the factory.
the proper way to select the correct gasket, is to measure the piston height above the block with a dial indicator. you will then have to check the manual to get the correct gasket. the higher the piston, the thinner the gasket. 1 notch is the thinnest, three is the thickest. I have found that the factory gasket will be on the high or thick side. so if the engine has the three notch gasket, you can measure the piston height and find that the two notch gasket would be a better fit, and help keep the compression higher. better performance too.