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*FIXED so simply* '88 240 down on power and getting really poor gas milage. Topic is solved

Help, Advice, Owners' Discussion and DIY Tutorials on all Volvo's "mid era" rear wheel drive Volvos.

1975 - 1993 240
1983 - 1992 740
1982 - 1991 760
1986 - 1991 780
1990 - 1998 940
1990 - 1998 960
1997 - 1998 V90/S90

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MisterBobbles
Posts: 9
Joined: 18 July 2024
Year and Model: 1988 240 wagon
Location: New Mexico
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Re: '88 240 down on power and getting really poor gas milage.

Post by MisterBobbles »

I think it's ( the leak) messing with the fuel air ratio. Also the fuel return line is really loose. There's no clamp. I'll add a clamp.
I never have smelled a leak or strong gas smell.
I'm going to fill it, and see what my milage is. I've done about a quarter tank.

I'm befuddled by the condition of the plugs.
I have new here already, will gap and install and check timing. Then run to autoparts store and gas station.

Limited on time ( as always) .
Do understand, I love working on cars, especially this fella.
I just so rarely have to do anything to him.
Great car. I'd never buy a newer car. Electronics scare the hair off me.
Would like a scan tool capability though. Yeah, that'd be nice.

MisterBobbles
Posts: 9
Joined: 18 July 2024
Year and Model: 1988 240 wagon
Location: New Mexico
Has thanked: 1 time
Been thanked: 3 times

Post by MisterBobbles »

Update.
Fixing this hole in the accordion tube has made a HUGE improvement.
Pep is back, like I gained 50 hp.

My guess is tape just gave up the struggle recently, and it was so hard for me to see the patch, as the tape was black, and that wasn't something I was looking at anyway. I was checking vacuum lines.

Just goes to show, NEVER overlook the simple things first.
I hope this thread helps someone else.

My HUGE thanks to volvolugnut for holding my hand and encouraging me.
I can't speak for anyone but myself, but I feel that guys like him who are willing to share their experience and wisdom are the most valuable asset the car loving community out there keeping our old beloved cars going has.

Just wait till I start the front end rebuild this fall. Hope you and guys like you are around.
Never done that job before on anything.

Best to all.

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volvolugnut
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Year and Model: 2001 V70
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Post by volvolugnut »

Glad to help. I have driven and repaired 240 Volvos since 1990. Maybe 200K miles. None were under 110K miles when I got them.
When you do the front end work, be careful if you have to compress the springs. Get a GOOD spring compressor if you do. It could save your life.
Scan tools can be misleading and seldom tell you just what you need to repair. Your 240 has a earlier code system with a flashing light. Another reason to get a manual.
volvolugnut
The Fleet:
Volvo: 2001 V70 T5, 1986 244DL, 1983 245DL, 1975 245DL, 1959 PV544, multiple Volvo parts cars.
Mercedes: 2001 E320, 1973 280, 1974 280C, 1989 300E, 1988 300TE, 1979 300TD, parts cars.
2009 Smart Passion
Ford: 1977 F350, 1964 F150 (2), 1938 Tudor Sedan
Farmall tractors: 1956 400 Diesel, 1946 A
And others.

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volvolugnut
Posts: 6225
Joined: 19 January 2014
Year and Model: 2001 V70
Location: Oklahoma USA
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Post by volvolugnut »

I missed the question about the round thing by the block. This is the electric idle speed control valve. This is what can get gummed up and need cleaning. Get the manual.
volvolugnut
The Fleet:
Volvo: 2001 V70 T5, 1986 244DL, 1983 245DL, 1975 245DL, 1959 PV544, multiple Volvo parts cars.
Mercedes: 2001 E320, 1973 280, 1974 280C, 1989 300E, 1988 300TE, 1979 300TD, parts cars.
2009 Smart Passion
Ford: 1977 F350, 1964 F150 (2), 1938 Tudor Sedan
Farmall tractors: 1956 400 Diesel, 1946 A
And others.

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BlackBart
Posts: 6492
Joined: 10 December 2016
Year and Model: 2004 XC70 BlackBetty
Location: Over the far far mountains
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Post by BlackBart »

MisterBobbles wrote: 20 Jul 2024, 10:24 Electronics scare the hair off me.
^^^ me too.
ex-1984 245T wagon
1994 850T5 wagon
2004 XC70 wagon BlackBetty

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