Update: Was forced to have a mechanic replace the links. Aside from the expense, kind of glad some one else did it. He said "they came out in pieces" and it took "12 hours" to remove both (and yes he has the puller tool). He also replaced "an evap hose" because it crumb...

Number 13 fuse: Hazard Flashers, Headlight Flashers, Alarm. Brake lights, headlights, highbeams, turn signals are all on different fuses. The alarm is spread across 3 fuses and a relay. Does the fuse only blow when you use the flashers? Does the fuse blow without touching the flashers? Have you trie...

My mpg record in my manual T5 is 36mpg... all highway, mostly downhill. :lol: That and the 93 octane, low ethanol, midwest gas probably helped. I don't know if the same applies for the NA, but good gas is a must if I want good performance and fuel economy. I normally get 28 highway, 24 country roads...

You are looking for dirt, evidence of arcing (google arcing in distributor), and wear on the pins and rotor. Post a picture if you can and we'll tell you whether it looks good. I'm guessing it's probably time to replace.

Found a hardware store that sells large diameter O-rings. After some trial and error, ended up buying an O-ring labeled as 2-3/4" ID, 3-1/8" OD, 3/16" thickness, which on paper works out to 69.85mm ID, 79.375mm OD, 4.76mm (for clarification 70, 81, 5.5 was needed). I measured it on a ...

Ethanol production also yields food so maybe padding the pockets of corn producers isn't so bad? Not 100% sure on that one. More research needed. Gasoline containing ethanol WILL burn cleaner. It WILL be less efficient on most engines. It WILL eat at rubber seals and hoses over time without additiv...

A shop that won't warrant a head gasket job is not a shop I would go to. If he has the warranty displayed publicly on advertising, you might be able to get him. You can never go wrong buying genuine Volvo parts in the blue box. Most users here only recommend using Volvo seals and gaskets. Be careful...

If you had a cracked block, it would be pretty obvious. At least one cylinder would have no compression. IMHO, this does not scream head gasket leak based on what you described. Based on the condition of the cap, I would suggest replacing all the radiator cooling hoses. Check the turbo for coolant l...

Fill it up with distilled water and drive like a granny. If its a really long trip, pull over and check every 15 minutes. Keep several gallons in the trunk. If water is pouring out onto the ground, then obviously don't drive it. If the system runs dry, the temp gauge won't help you as it reads water...

Get everything to stage 0 then we'll talk about tuning. I know Koni makes an aftermarket sports suspension. Stock single-mass flywheel and R clutch are all you need. Depending on how bad the rust is, you could clean and repaint, or find matching body panels in better shape. Enjoy your AWD 850 5spd, ...