Oil Changes: The mechanic tried to explain that synthetic should be used for this vehicle despite Volvo indicating otherwise. Seems off to me. Synthetic certainly is recommended for this motor, I think your mechanic is spot on and I'm unaware of Volvo recommending against it, but I don't think that...

Ive now converted 5 high mileage cars to synthetic and found no change in leakage and reduced usage internally, so I don't buy that everything on the internet is accurate.

What I usually with the tranny diostick is as follows: I pull it out, wipe it off. Insert with the side with the fluid level marks up. Pull it out and see where the level is. Then i wipe it off and insert with the marks facing down. Then read again. This helps me to decide if the high mark is actual...

If you don't know the age of you hoses and vacuum lines and/or are pretty sure they are original, it's probably better to just replace them all and then search for boost/vacuum leaks. Old, rotten lines might not like being pressurized, and it's easier to replace lines when they aren't blown off and ...

Seriously, people, cats are there for a reason! we have just one planet, so stop polluting it on purpose! THANK YOU!

I will check later.

Looks quite like a regular bolt to me

VIDA says it's M8x80

In case anyone is curious about how long you have to crank it when you've "lawnmowered" your engine...

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I always push pistons back in without loosening bleeding bolt...that's how they supposed to push back..otherwise you will let air in the line.