Hello! Let me introduce myself....

destroyerofcake · Post by **destroyerofcake** » 07 Feb 2012, 12:17

Hello fellow Volvo owners! My name is Wes, aka destroyerofcake. It's true. I hurt the stuff.
I recently aquired my inlaws 1995 Volvo 850 turbo. I don't know alot about the specific trim levels yet, but I think it corresponds to the R version of 1996. It has 132,000 miles showing on the odometer, but the odometer has been dead over a year. So I estimate on the high side and say it has approx. 150,000 miles on it. My wife is the primary driver, but I putt around in her some. He have not settled on a name yet. I love the styling of the car - it is a sedan, green, sports a nice factory spoiler and five-spoke (for lack of a better explanation) wheels. Automatic, 2.3 turbo engine.

While my inlaws owned the car, they got a new headliner installed. The new headliner lead to the sunroof getting stuck (we think.) In several long and complicated steps, the sunroof seal has been removed. Now, metal masonry tape keeps the water out. The sunroof sits crooked. Off track? Maybe when I forced it closed I bent something? Dunno. Open to suggestions, planning to pull a new sunroof glass with seal from the local pick-n-pull and at least get it sealed up. I don't really care if it works or not, but the tape looks ridiculous. It is dry inside though.

I have been lurking as a reader, using my crappy phone when I can to do research. I do not have regular internet service, so I probably won't be around like the hardcore posters (every site has them, right?) But I look forward to membership here, contributing what I can, and picking your brains. I am not a mechanic, but I do work in the auto industry. Just at a parts store. Nothing too cool. But It has helped me learn an astounding amout of mostly useless things.

Well, I guess that's all for now. Time to find some answers to some Volvo questions!!!

Wes

Post by **fazool** » 07 Feb 2012, 14:19

The odometers on the 850's are notorious for breaking. I believe there is a plastic gear that fails (but not sure).

The "R" level is a special version of Volvo's cars, designed by their "racing" development team. R's have special R logo's, wheels, emblems, etc and come with higher output turbo's, stiffer suspension, etc, etc.

The sunroof can definitely be fixed as its a bolt-in assembly.

obayha · Post by **obayha** » 08 Feb 2012, 10:04

Welcome to the forum. A lot of information here.
Another one from N.C. What part?
Shane

Post by **jblackburn** » 08 Feb 2012, 10:15

Welcome to the forum. Feel free to contribute what you can.

Sometimes useless tidbits are really helpful.

I know lots of little things, but not everything - about lots of things. It helps in being able to strike up a conversation with just about anyone (and seem like you know everything until someone prys further and you get into trouble

). It comes from my dad - you should see the man watching Jeopardy at night.

Keep in mind that car may be due for a timing belt (7 years from the last change/at the 140,000 mile mark). The belt or tensioners let go, it's pretty much game over for the top of your engine. You can see Lee's writeup here for changing the belt and water pump on a Volvo 5-cylinder.
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... =1&t=19831

s70glt novice[Will] · Post by **s70glt novice[Will]** » 09 Feb 2012, 21:06

jblackburn wrote:Keep in mind that car may be due for a timing belt (7 years from the last change/at the 140,000 mile mark). The belt or tensioners let go, it's pretty much game over for the top of your engine. You can see Lee's writeup here for changing the belt and water pump on a Volvo 5-cylinder.
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... =1&t=19831

+tenbillion on that. You're journey of pain, headaches, joy, and terror will end before it begins.

Welcome to the forum! Don't be shy to ask questions, even if they're stupid (well, do a search first :p) God knows i have a bunch of them.

Welcome to volvo ownership. You will regret this day. And praise it. Thats having a Volvo. Also, don't think bad about the car, the Check Engine light will come on xD

Post by **LamboSE5** » 09 Feb 2012, 21:18

Welcome to MVS Wes. Good to have ya.

s70glt novice[Will] wrote:...Welcome to volvo ownership. You will regret this day...

destroyerofcake · Post by **destroyerofcake** » 10 Feb 2012, 12:54

obayha wrote:Welcome to the forum. A lot of information here.
Another one from N.C. What part?
Shane

I live in Shallotte, NC. It is about a 40 minutes south of Wilmington NC, about 30 minutes north of Myrtle Beach SC. Kind of backwoods and redneck mostly, but still fairly quiet. Not from here originally though. Been here about 5 years, by way of Louisville, KY. I grew up in and around Louisville but married a girl from NC that I met on vacation in and around Columbia SC. Her family is from around here and the neighboring counties.