I am finally a Volvo owner! What now?

abbeyforbes · Post by **abbeyforbes** » 15 Feb 2012, 14:14

Hi guys! I have wanted a Volvo my whole life and I am SO happy to say I just bought my first one. '91 740 wagon. Blue.

It looks to have been meticulously maintained. The interior/exterior is flawless, came with the original floor mats and hub caps tucked into the trunk. The paint isn't even peeling, I could not be more thrilled! It came with the owner's manual and dealership book, was maintained at the Volvo dealership like clockwork for the first 118k. That was in 2002? Between then and now its' a mystery. The odo says 184k but it's broken of course.

I know two things, I know it's been sitting a while, and I know that the most recent owner dropped the tank, changed it out and replaced the fuel pump in the last few months, but that's it.

Please tell me everything I ought to do to it before I start driving it heavily. Thank you so much for you wealth of knowledge and for allowing me to join the club! Yay!

I know obviously I should change the oil and the timing belt, my dad recomended a coolant system flush, would you agree? What else?

Pianoman702 · Post by **Pianoman702** » 15 Feb 2012, 18:49

I would agree with changing out all of the fluids. If it's been sitting, you don't really know what's been caked up over the years. I think a good place to start would be a general tune up to get it running in decent order.

I think a clean car runs better so if you (and the weather) are up for it, a stiff detailing never hurt!

Congrats on your new (to you) brick! They're a blast!

abbeyforbes · Post by **abbeyforbes** » 15 Feb 2012, 20:01

Thanks! I have started the detail process, will continue in the morning, weather permitting. I found mouse bedding in my vents and droppings in the floor board, so tomorrow I need to figure out how to evict them, lol!
I've read the manual and I think I can figure out the cooling system flush, as well as the oil change myself, so that's my day tomorrow. Hubby and I will tackle the timing belt this weekend, which brand should I get?
I just cannot get over how much nicer this 21 year old car is than anything else I've owned decades newer. Crazy! The power windows and locks even still work!

Pianoman702 · Post by **Pianoman702** » 15 Feb 2012, 20:12

I still can't believe how nice a lot of them still are. They're getting harder to find, but there are still gems out there! They have their quirks, but I just say they "add character"

You say you already have a manual, but I would definitely recommend the Haynes manual--it's helped me troubleshoot and walk me through plenty of stuff! As for the timing belt, I think iPd off the top of my head makes a kit for the 850, and they probably have one for the 2/7/940's as well.

Post by **xHeart** » 16 Feb 2012, 06:00

Search pertinent forum for "Stage 0".

abbeyforbes · Post by **abbeyforbes** » 16 Feb 2012, 07:29

Thanks! Will do!

Post by **writer100** » 16 Feb 2012, 09:24

Are we to assume that the car runs okay? If so, flush all fluids, gas, oil, brake, tranny, and coolant. Examine belts and hoses. Start with cooling system and work out from there. Any overheating issue should be dealt with aggressively. Timing belt: use Volvo or Continental. Ensure flame trap isn't clogged. Post your progress. Good luck.

abbeyforbes · Post by **abbeyforbes** » 21 Feb 2012, 08:12

So sorry it's taken me so long to respond, my internet has been acting up!

Have now driven the car a week, gone through a full tank of gas, and have noticed the following things.
*Metallic rattle when accelerating through 1st and 2nd, assume it's a loose heat shroud?
*Cruise control does not work. No light comes on, and does not engage.
*Occasionally, car will sputter like it's running out of gas and will lose power till it cuts off. When car is restarted, will run with no problems for 5-10 miles and the problem will reappear. Only shows up intermittently, the gas tank was fairly low when this occurred, but not totally empty. Refilled tank and have not noticed it again.

Other than that, car runs great, so quiet at idle that I can barely tell it's running. LOVE this car. Winter FINALLY came in NC and I am so grateful for my heated seats!!!

Maintenance performed thus far:

Oil change, and cooling system flush. (Did myself, 1st time, super proud!)
Also, I noticed a detached hose, I don't know what it's called, it is located between the engine and the tranny fluid check stick. It was about the width of a pill bottle, and went to a concave metal disc with holes in it. The hose had been cut and taped to fit on. Not sure what that's all about. but I patched the cut with electrical tape and re-secured the hose. It's held for several trips, would love to repair it properly, but I don't know what it's called. Please advise.

Transmission shifts pretty good, but fluid looks more brown than red, so I'm going to flush that, and replace all the belts. The one going to my alternator looks a bit floppy when running, I'm assuming there should be no slack in it?

Random stuff: need new headliner and the hydraulics for my hatch are worn out. I'm going to install a 3rd row seat when I find one. My radio doesn't work, I'm hoping it just needs the code, it's not written on the back and the nearest dealership is 30 miles away, is there an other method to finding the code? What do you all suggest I do about my speedo and odo not working? I would love to be able to track mileage. (think cheap and easy)

Thanks, Abbey

Post by **fazool** » 21 Feb 2012, 08:44

The speedo/odo problem is a common one. Mine hasn't failed yet so I am going from rough memory of seeing posts here - there is a plastic gear that breaks that can be repaired by pulling the cluster apart I think?

The headliner is a common problem. There are a couple posts here. Essentially you can remove the headliner with a screwdriver (only a couple small tricks to snapping/turning the retainers) and then use a 3M spray adhesive to stick it to the fiberboard backing.

The fuel thing sounds like it MIGHT be a fuel pump relay (thats a common problem and an easy fix). Also, keep an eye on your fuel filter - it might need a change.

Take a digital picture of the mystery hose and upload it here for more advice.

Is the radio displaying the word "CODE" ? meaning it needs the security code entered. Its not written on the back. The code is an anti-theft measure and you have to get the code from a delaer (to prove you are the real owner).

Check the cruise control fuse and I think there is a cruise control relay somewhere too. Sorry I cant be more specific.

Post by **writer100** » 21 Feb 2012, 09:29

The detached hose sounds like your flame trap, located beneath the intake manifold. Search the forum for cleaning the flame trap. If the hose is torn, you can source this through IPD, among others.

I believe your car has two pumps, an in tank pump and a primary pump. Your in tank pump may have failed if the car only runs on a full tank. Even if the pumps are okay, the fuel filter should be replaced.

If your belts don't squeak, that is tight enough. Do not overtighten.