Here's a weird one for you guys...

chernobyl1 · Post by **chernobyl1** » 09 Jul 2011, 11:57

In the process of doing a stage 0 on my 98 V70 base and have done most everything to the engine except the pcv valve (front o2 sensor, t-belt and water pump, maf cleaning, cap, rotor, plugs, checked for vacuum leaks - let me know if there's anything I left off) and am still getting sub-par milage (avg 20-22 50% freeway). I know its subpar because my wife drives roughly the same in her 99 V70 and gets 24-26 mpg. My question is could the PCV system have an adverse impact on milage? Its definitely plugged (smoke out the dipstick) but does that have an impact on engine performance?

2ndly - and this is the weird one - I had the car idling and was going to open the drivers side door to about 90% and the engine hesitated big time (something that hasn't happened on this car before without me physically messing in the engine compartment). I played around with the door some more opening and closing it for about 2 minutes and I got this to repeat itself about 3 times and one time the engine died out completely. I honestly can't seem to figure out the possible connection unless there's a vacuum hose getting pinched inside the door or there's a crash sensor that shuts off fuel to the engine or something like that. I'm not to worried about it and doubt its related to my performance issue but since these Volvos are so quirky I thought I'd post it just in case anybody had similar experience and could clarify this one!

Thanks!

Christian

Post by **pkc303** » 09 Jul 2011, 16:55

I don't see that you changed the plug wires. Use genuine Volvo ones. I've read the Volvos are partial to them. They would certainly add to your gas milage issue. I changed mine and what a difference.

The flame trap should be done soon. It will eventually start your seals leaking, and you don't want the rear main seal leaking. I don't think it will impact your milage as much.

Also, in the door, I would pull back the rubber covering over the wires, and look for a couple of wires that have the insulation off. I've seen that before, and two of them could be touching, and shorting.

Good luck.

instarx · Post by **instarx** » 10 Jul 2011, 07:04

Switch cars with your wife for a week to see if it is the cars or the drivers.

chernobyl1 · Post by **chernobyl1** » 11 Jul 2011, 17:34

Thanks pkc303 on the ignition wires suggestion. I'm such a cheapskate that I usually don't replace those until I start getting misfires. Probably too late at that point. I will also check the wires in the door. Cheers!

Instarx - good suggestion but that already is the milage I get when driving her car. Mine has the loud exhaust from an aftermarket cat (forgot to mention that one - don't think it would hurt milage though with less restriction) so we drive hers on family road trips