new to volvo

[mountainredneck]

hello, I recently bought a 1995 960 that had to endure the POs son for a while. I am going to have to replace all the front end bushings, end links etc. I have that part fiqured out.
What I am having trouble with is the radio. I cannot get the rear door or rear speakers to work. I have inspected the wiring and checked the radio fuse (obviously) all looks normal. do you guys have any suggestions, ideas?
The other problem is that I think this engine needs lifters. The PO showed me paperwork where he had a valve job done about 30K ago. However, I can hear all the clicking from the engine, almost exactly like an old SBC sounds with a solid lift cam. I was hoping it was so easy to just do a valve adjustment, from what I have read that is not possible. Do you guys have any idea how much and where to buy the parts?
While I am at it, here are some more issues that need addressing:

rear CV axles are shot, how much do they run? advance cant even get them.
is it going to be a PITA to get out the old bushings on the LCAs?
the front passenger seat does not move forward or aft, I can hear it trying to work, but no movement. WD40?

Tks for your help, I plan to post back results and be gentle...

[billofdurham]

Welcome to Matthew's Volvo Site.

The rear parcel shelf speakers branch off the wires for the rear door speakers so you are looking for a problem between the radio and the rear doors. You have checked the wiring but have you checked at the rear of the radio to ensure that the following wires are correctly attached - green/black and green/white (left rear speakers); brown/black and brown/white (right rear speakers)?

How bad is the noise from the valves? The hydraulic lifters are not adjustable. You might be hearing some lifter noise as the lifters pump up with oil. I wouldn't worry about it as long as it goes away once the engine warms up. My 1991 960 clattered on first start-up but soon settled down.

Rear CV axles - We have sponsors' ads at the top of the forum. Try them for any parts you need. Prices are competitive.

They say, "A picture paints 1,000 words" but I can't paint so here are some words to show the problems of removing the LCAs.

960 lower control arms and bushings.pdf

(207.47 KiB) Downloaded 110 times

The front passenger seat may have something blocking its movement. You could try WD40 but be very careful what you do with the seat as there is an airbag sensor under there. If you are going to get violent with it disconnect the battery negative cable first.

Bill.

[mountainredneck]

thanks for your suggestions and advice. Can you tell me how to properly remove the radio for wire inspection? I read somewhere that if the amp is shot the rear speakers wont work. I dont think that is the case here, If I could get the rear speakers to work as good as the front does now, I would be happy. I will proceed with radio inspection once I hear back on how to remove the radio.
I will do nothing more than a visual with mirrors etc on the seat. I dont want to have any surprises with sips.
On the lifters, I have read about cold start clatter. Mine is that way all the time even when warmed up. Its not as noticable with the hood shut. this engine has 231K on it, Is it worth it to install new lifters at this point? I can do the job myself with some hints from you guys here and there. But do volvos have a life span like a mercedes? This engine was supposedly well maintained during most of its life based on the old records I saw.
please advise on the radio issue asap. I can do that job after dark when I get home. TKs Buck

[billofdurham]

I am working from memory on the radio removal as I have "lost" my radio manuals. Somebody borrowed them and I can't remember who.

If you have the SC710 radio (double din) you will see an upright button at each side of the fascia. Gently press these buttons in and release them. They should then pop out of the fascia so you can get hold of them. Gently ease the radio out. Before disconnecting anything make sure you have the code for the radio. If you don't have the code your friendly Volvo dealer should be able to provide this free of charge if you give him the VIN of the vehicle.

I can do that job after dark when I get home.

I do some of my best work in the dark. Friends say I spend a lot of time in that state!!

Bill.