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low power up hill

Help, Advice and DIY Tutorials on Volvo's P80 platform cars -- Volvo's 1990s "bread and butter" cars -- powered by the ubiquitous and durable Volvo inline 5-cylinder engine.

1992 - 1997 850, including 850 R, 850 T-5R, 850 T-5, 850 GLT
1997 - 2000 S70, S70 AWD
1997 - 2000 V70, V70 AWD
1997 - 2000 V70-XC
1997 - 2004 C70

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Danonly55
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Year and Model: 1996 850 sedan
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low power up hill

Post by Danonly55 »

I have a 95 850 wagon, looks as if the catalic converter has been replaced, I have done the plugs and wires and cap and rotor. Car has 145k on it and a new timing belt recently. I have a feeling it might be the catalic converter Not sure if the correct one was put in prior to me buying the car. how can I check it and where can I get a new one.
Thanks
2014 Ford 3.5L ecoboost XLT
1995 Volvo 850 wagon GLE

Life is tough, but it's tougher when your stupid'
" John Wayne

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matthew1
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Post by matthew1 »

No codes/CE light on?
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1998 V70, no dash lights on

1997 850 T5 [gone] w/ MSD ignition coil, Hallman manual boost controller, injectors, R bumper, OMP strut brace

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Danonly55
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Post by Danonly55 »

No codes, no lights.
2014 Ford 3.5L ecoboost XLT
1995 Volvo 850 wagon GLE

Life is tough, but it's tougher when your stupid'
" John Wayne

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matthew1
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Post by matthew1 »

The odds of a clogged/restricted/bad cat convertor throwing a code are much better than even... so let's back up...

Low power going up hills you mentioned. Low power accelerating? Anything else? Smoke? Stalling? Awful exhaust smells?
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1998 V70, no dash lights on

1997 850 T5 [gone] w/ MSD ignition coil, Hallman manual boost controller, injectors, R bumper, OMP strut brace

2004 V70 R [gone]

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Danonly55
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Post by Danonly55 »

It has low power accelerating, no smoke not stalling, kind of an odd smelling exhaust.
2014 Ford 3.5L ecoboost XLT
1995 Volvo 850 wagon GLE

Life is tough, but it's tougher when your stupid'
" John Wayne

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matthew1
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Post by matthew1 »

How much down on power would you estimate it is? If you're sure it's the cat causing the loss of power I'd look for a cat... well, this can get touchy with the state laws we all have now... but if you can, buy a used one, unless you have money, a jet, four mansions, a yacht or two and a helicopter. That's how much I'd guess you'd need for a new cat from the dealer, if they even still sell them.

Air filter ok?
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1998 V70, no dash lights on

1997 850 T5 [gone] w/ MSD ignition coil, Hallman manual boost controller, injectors, R bumper, OMP strut brace

2004 V70 R [gone]

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Danonly55
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Post by Danonly55 »

Creative and funny answer, Air filter is clean.
Thanks. When I get it figured out I will post results.
2014 Ford 3.5L ecoboost XLT
1995 Volvo 850 wagon GLE

Life is tough, but it's tougher when your stupid'
" John Wayne

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Clemens
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Post by Clemens »

wasn't there an easy method to measure the exhaust temp before and after the cat with an IR Thermometer? if the difference is too high, the cat is blocked.
Summer: 1996 855 R
Winter: 1994 855 T5M
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matthew1
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Post by matthew1 »

Excellent suggestion. Or use the poor man's IR thermometer: run it around good then look under there to see if it's glowing.
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1998 V70, no dash lights on

1997 850 T5 [gone] w/ MSD ignition coil, Hallman manual boost controller, injectors, R bumper, OMP strut brace

2004 V70 R [gone]

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volvolugnut
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Post by volvolugnut »

matthew1 wrote: 28 Oct 2024, 14:50 Excellent suggestion. Or use the poor man's IR thermometer: run it around good then look under there to see if it's glowing.
Accuracy is improved at night.
volvolugnutr
The Fleet:
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Mercedes: 2001 E320, 1973 280, 1974 280C, 1989 300E, 1988 300TE, 1979 300TD, parts cars.
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