1995 850 GLT Coolant Leak,Fuel Leak,Maintenence Labor Costs?

[simonology101]

I should tell you I'm a noob when it comes to cars. Went to Mechanic in Denton,TX told me my car coolant expansion tank and both hoses along with fuel lines are bad told me theres fuel leak. Also is going to change sparkplugs i had two codes pop up p0172 and p0440. I told him to to check everything. Wants to charge me $650. Please help me asap. Also he only uses NAPA parts. Thanks much appreciated Gentlemen!

[rmmagow]

You need to find an independent Volvo/Saab tech. Your car must use Volvo plugs, any others will be a problem. P0172, P0440 are codes related to vacuum lines falling apart, common issue with the older Volvos. You need to learn how to fix little things yourself or the car will eat you alive. $650 is a bit ridiculous for what he's ultimately going to do (I think). Expansion tank and hoes from Volvo are however a bit expensive. Do you trust the guy?

[simonology101]

Yea, I figured I know he's ripping me off. How can i approach him about this? I'm really trying to get a detailed bill out of him btw thanks to the forum my flame trap is now also clean so thats $124 more bucks. I wish the world was a more idealistic place or someone tell me someone trustworthy near Denton,TX. Idk this guy, but other mechanic at another store(whose like the beast of mechanics at Japanese) said he's been doing cars(Euro and American) for over 18 years.

[kahl]

The spark plug change and the coolant tank and lines are pretty straight foreword easy tasks. Ideal to cut your teeth! There is a member here named RSPI that has made excellent videos on these tasks. In addition these tasks can be done with basic tools. Parts can be had through FCP Groton.

Take the plunge!,

[simonology101]

So i got there and this is what he had repaired fuel filter, air filter, spark plugs, new flame trap, ac screw, refilled ac, changed lower and upper hose for coolant expansion along with new coolant expansion and cap.

Of these he used beru spark plugs, mct flame trap, uro hoses and tank.

But the best part was he charged me 338 for Parts. Labor was 290. Altogether 700 incl tax and misc; I was so pissed. I paid him with card and left home.

Stewed over the matter.
Went back to him.

Told him I wouldn't pay him and would stop my purchase since he used subpar parts because you can do that legally .

He and I argue for over 30 -45 min about parts and parts quality. I come loaded with knowledge from MVS and other such sites on my certain problems. I'm one informed "motha fucka"! He disparagingly agrees to my demand and removes 98 from parts cost.

I told him he was a good mechanic cause I actually felt a major difference. He told me he wont ever fix my cars unless i bring the parts into him as well.

He used Beru atleast heard mixed reviews about those. BUT THE URO shit. I heard all across sites that its bad.
But lesson learned well. He only charges $85 and hr and the coolant tank was $91.

[timmybdaddyof3]

As a shop owner I can appreciate where you are coming from....the parts I use are a reflection of my reputation.
That being said, I have no hesitation about telling my clients when it comes to simpler jobs like this to give it a shot...generally speaking as long as you use a little common sense (and a big part of that is turning to places like this for advice) you wont make a problem worse, you will usually end up fixing it a lot cheaper, and the information you will have learned will pay off in spades at some point down the road.

I would bank money on the fact that most of the guys here got into working on there cars almost exclusively by accident...that was my story...got sick of getting ripped off for cheap parts and over-priced labor; somehow that turned into a career. I think my turning point was when I read an all-data repair guide and it estimated that when changing the radiator to add .5 hrs for each new hose being installed. When I change a radiator both hoses are disconnected so i can power flush the block...either way I need to put hoses back on, and putting on used ones with a new radiator...lets not go there.

My point - don't be afraid to tinker...there is a good safety net here.

[simonology101]

what all tool s would i need to get started with just some maintenance stuff

[tryingbe]

what all tool s would i need to get started with just some maintenance stuff

3/8 10mm to 19mm 6 point socket set with ratchet with be a starter. Buy more when it is needed.

[kahl]

Also a set of Torex . Most auto part stores have a set in 9 or 11 bits. Most of your screws on the Volvo are Torex.