New Volvo 850 owner

TheWagles · Post by **TheWagles** » 30 Jun 2012, 18:30

Very excited to have found this website. I posted a few questions on it many months ago but never actually introduced myself and how I became a Volvo owner. This is my first Volvo. A 94 850 Turbo w/145,000 miles on it. I am an American Muscle Car guy at heart, specifically Dodges/Plymouths. Going back to the 90's, I remember seeing the 850's, especially the Turbos with the wing, aluminum rims etc and thinking if I ever owned a foreign brand, that's what I want. It was always the burgundy ones that caught my eye as well. I just really liked the shape and overall look of the cars. Fast forward about 16 yrs to Feb 2011, my oldest is preparing to get her license, I am preparing to retire from the military and we will need a second vehicle as we will be moving off base. Making small talk in the office, I put the word out I was looking for a second vehicle but the price would have to be right and fit our budget. A co-worker told me he had to let go of a vehicle to make room for a new Mercedes convertible for his wife. Here is where it gets really ironic. As we start talking, he proceeds to tell me he has burgundy Volvo 850 Turbo he purchased brand new in Germany. To close this already long story. He brought it in to work. I drove it, liked it and cut him a check for $1800. I have not really done much with it other than drive it to work since buying it. It sat for the better part of 3-4 yrs due to the guy not having time to drive it. Last oil change was 08 and he put less than 1000 miles on that oil change. My question is where do I start on the maintenance? I realize the oil is a no brainer but what about belts, hoses, antifreeze, tranny service? I am excited about this car and want to take my time with it and turn it into a solid daily driver for my daughter. Your input and feedback will be valued.

Post by **JimBee** » 30 Jun 2012, 19:25

I love those stories about just exactly the thing you've been thinking about actually happening. Yay

Welcome to the world of the interference engine. It is one tough engine, but you can ruin a weekend and spend several hundred dollars at least if your timing belt breaks b/c the piston crowns run so close to the valves.

Find out for sure when he last changed the timing belt. If it's an early '94, it should be done every 50k or 70k miles, not sure which. If he hasn't changed it I wouldn't even start the car until that's done. There's plenty of guidance on this site on how to do it. There should be a sticker on the TB cover with mileage of last change.

To be on the safe side, you should also change the TB roller system. I got my kit from Volvo dealer for $200.00, minus the tensioner, which they sell, but they kind of talked me out of it b/c they're pretty durable.

Change any filters. If it's an automatic, the fluid might be dirty. Run the engine, shut off and drain whatever will come out. Usually about 3 qts. Fill to mark on stick. They call this drain and fill—recommended as safter than flushing.
If it's manual 5 speed drain and fill with Amsoil auto trans fluid. That's what I use and shifting is silky smooth.

I went to synthetic motor oil in my two 850's and believe in it. Use an oil filter with a check valve.

Check your camshaft seals for leaks. The "front" ones (passenger side) are not too bad to fix and if you're changing the TB, you'll be part way there anyway.

Other maintenance you think is needed.
Online suppliers of parts that help sponsor this site (IPDusa.com and euroFCP.com) are good sources. There are others out there, too.
Take a quick survey of the condition of rubber hose connectors, including fuel connectors near the tank and in the engine bay. Things that can mess with the engine are vacuum leaks and sensor malfunctions (the MAF if rough idle and/or flat spots up the rpm curve; coolant temp sensor which is on underside of your t-stat housing, if you have what seems like an engine temperature related malfunction that little bugger can be the source.
Get familiar with the fuse box under the hood and the relays under that cover. You'll use your torx drivers quite a bit.
This site already has a wealth or searchable knowledge. But the posters add much further to that, so you won't be stranded if you have a problem. Think 300k on that car if it's well cared for.
Good luck with the new ride.

TheWagles · Post by **TheWagles** » 30 Jun 2012, 19:40

Great. Thanks for the info Jim. I will take some pics and post in here as well. We have a local Volvo guy who owns his own shop. I can speak to him as well.

TheWagles · Post by **TheWagles** » 05 Jul 2012, 21:29

Posted these on the photo thread as well but wanted to show my first Volvo. 1994 850 Turbo, 145000 miles purchased for $1800 from the original owner. Looking forward to all the information this website has to offer. I have never owned a Volvo but my oldest daughter and I are excited at the possibilities.

Post by **MoVolvos** » 05 Jul 2012, 22:07

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$3500 and up for that in CA especially one owner. As mentioned before timing belt, all fluids including brake's, spark plugs and air filter, cap and rotor, radiator hoses if needed and just drive it regularly for a short spell and see if issues crop up or else enjoy that great looking car.

I would personally put this in as the car was not regularly driven for that many years. It does not clog nor can create any other problems. Keep that great deal a great deal

Blessings,
BKM
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Post by **steve850** » 06 Jul 2012, 00:14

Very nice ! I have been debating for 6 months weather to ditch my ageing 850 Platinum because it needs work (timing belt, turbo seals, valve stem seals, some suspension....)

I had to move it out of the end of the driveway today (haven't driven it for4 months) and i almost fell in love with it all over again, lol

So I think its time to order up some parts and bring her back to life!!

Thnx for the inspiration!

TheWagles · Post by **TheWagles** » 06 Jul 2012, 02:32

Glad to be of help Steve. If you read the initial intro then you seen that I'm not really a Volvo guy at heart but have always had a soft spot for the 850's. Now that I have one, it doesn't feel much different than owning a musclecar. It's an old car with a lot of potential. Something new for me, so it kind of gets the juices flowing to tinker. LOL

MoparConvert · Post by **MoparConvert** » 07 Aug 2012, 08:07

I am also a new Volvo 850 owner . I just purchased a '95 855 GLT n/a 5 spd. It needs a radiator, battery and the brake system needs to be gone through but is working. the car starts a little hard i have only started it 4x and it has been sitting for about a year untouched before i bought it. Any thing I should do besides the stage 0 to ensure my wagon has a long happy life? Also i think us old mopar hot rod guys like the Volvo because of the boxy looks and low stance, they remind me of the old darts which I love.

TheWagles · Post by **TheWagles** » 09 Aug 2013, 23:59

MoparConvert you may be on to something with the Volvo's reminding us of the Darts. I do love the boxy look and short rear end.