I need repair advice for a 94 850 N/A

ashitaka695 · Post by **ashitaka695** » 31 Jul 2016, 04:49

This is the first Volvo I have ever owned or even driven. It's a 94 Base 850 N/A I picked up for $300.
I have been working on it as I have time and in the next few days I am going to do some of the more major repairs it needs such as driver side CV Shaft, Timing belt and related components and the crankcase ventilation system. I'm no stranger to vehicle repair so I have the proper tools and equipment that I may need except any specialty tools specific to Volvo. I want to be as informed and educated as possible so that this job will go smoothly so any advice, tips, tricks and short cuts specific to these repairs would be greatly appreciated.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 31 Jul 2016, 05:22

Tips and tricks are what we are about! The repair database has just about anything you will encounter but feel free to post questions along the way. The only dumb question is the one that doesn't get asked.

...Lee

ashitaka695 · Post by **ashitaka695** » 25 Aug 2016, 07:06

So far I have replaced the left CV(new), a shock that appeared to have a bullet hole (yes I just replaced one and I got a used shock. The squeaky noise was driving me nuts), front brakes (used pads in good condition), a/c high pressure line (the line had worn through and blew on me), spark plugs, wires, cap, rotor (the cap and rotor I bought on eBay almost killed my vehicle cause for some reason the rotor destroyed the contacts in the cap so I got a used set for now), removed the temperature controlled air intake (My plan is to fabricate some sort of replacement that pulls cold air but not sure how yet), installed a keyless entry system, replaced the driver airbag (I haven't connected it but plan to once I get the entire system fully tested. I still need the passenger airbag and clockspring), installed a OEM stereo system with CD changer, replaced all dash bulbs including the climate control bulbs, installed a spoiler (got lucky enough to find one that is the same color as the car), replaced blower resistor (I also repaired the original so I have a spare), got a donut tire and tools that were missing, antenna master (not sure what I did wrong but when it extends the motor continues to run even after it is fully extended for about ten seconds), backyard front alignment to stop rapid tire wear and a few other odds and ends. I found out that the fuel tank recall has never been performed and since I live in New Mexico it's still active so I plan on getting that done within the next few weeks. I already confirmed with the local Volvo dealership and asked if they can pre-order the tank but they want to inspect it first to determine whether the tank needs replacement or not. I know that the tank will need to be replaced no matter what because it can only hold 12 gallons before it leaks and it does appear to have a crack. Next on my list is timing belt, crankcase breather, motor mounts, control arms, entire power steering system (filled it with power steering fluid and I believe that I destroyed the entire system. Now I know to use transmission fluid), inner and outer tie rods, springs, struts, mounts, shocks, mounts, Springs and probably quite a few other things but this will probably keep me busy throughout the winter cause I usually only work on it one day a week or less due to my job.

Post by **jgc470** » 25 Aug 2016, 10:09

Fix the gas tank NUMBER 1!! The timing belt would be my next choice, it's critical, followed by crankcase breather (PCV). I would spend the extra money on original equipment engine mounts, as many on MVS,who have used cheaper have reported replacing them again within a year or two.
The antenna mast has a plastic link inside it that extends the mast. I've read that some clip it (the link) to stop it from running "overtime".
Good luck and have fun, I did such to my "Green One" (1996 turbo), at 160,000, and I'm glad I did. It's running fine at the 200,000 mile mark.

ashitaka695 · Post by **ashitaka695** » 25 Aug 2016, 15:17

I'm really happy with this Volvo. I am actually having a little fun learning to repair and doing some of the actual repairs. One of the things that I really got a kick out of was installing the keyless entry system and actually having it work the first try! It's just a fun project that was kinda dropped on me by a friend that is obsessed with 850's. I probably would never have even considered doing something like this but one day my buddy shows up and says I owe him 300 bucks for this cool little gold 850. So now he has me enjoying these vehicles. It has 294,000 miles but runs like it has way less. Anybody in their right mind would probably find something with less miles and fewer problems but for some reason it seems that it going to be worth it in the end. The local pick a part has quite a few 850's with engines that have low milage so if an engine swap is needed, 200 bucks and I'm back in business. My perception of low mileage is 140,000-200,000 from what I've read others having on their vehicles. 400,000 miles on an 850 is not a rarity so I figure I have a good 100,000 left to enjoy.