total newbie needs help in fixing 95 volvo

pmonk · Post by **pmonk** » 19 Mar 2006, 16:57

I had a similar problem with MPG on my 850. It involved new plugs and wires, rotor, and o2 sensor and coil. My car was running on only 3 cylinders and still getting 18 mpg I knew something was wrong but didn't know what. 14 is pretty low I think and I used to get better than 10 in my Dodge ram with a 5.9 liter v8 towing a trailer. I would check to see if your brakes are dragging or something. That was happening to me on a different vehicle once.
Also if you are driving around getting 14 mpg or so then you are probably letting lots of unburned fuel out the tailpipe and will fail emissions spectacularly. That is how I found out the hard way. now I average 27 mpg combined. As far as getting your oil changed at WM for cheap, I would think twice. I had them do it a long while back on an 84 caddy in otherwise great shape and they forgot to put in any oil and my engine seized.

Post by **pfeener** » 19 Mar 2006, 18:06

Definetly plugs, wires, cap and rotor first. Sounds like you're not firing on all cylinders. I would also run a couple of cans of Chevron Technion (what I lot of us really like) throught the system over a couple of tanks of fuel. After that I would go for the front oxygen sensor (use a genuine Volvo part here). If the mileage still isn't running in the mid 20s, I would remove the fuel injectors and send them off to be professionally cleaned. Costs about $100 and takes about a week.

I see you changed out an axle. Is the shaking gone?

If you're going to do any work on this car yourself, you need to get a credit card to be able to order parts via mail order or you will go broke buying parts from the dealer or get screwed with incorrect or inferior parts from the Autozones of the world.

nitink · Post by **nitink** » 24 Mar 2006, 14:50

many Many Thanks again guys

The car still vibrates above 65, though not as badly, especially on little rough freeways its hard to control. A local mechanic told me to replace wheel bearings.. but I am not too convienced about this Is there any way I can check them myself?

For Spark plugs I will order them soon, in the mean time please tell me if there there any DIY article on spark plug, rotor etc change.

White850Turbo · Post by **White850Turbo** » 25 Mar 2006, 09:42

FCP and EEuroparts take Paypal also, so that's certainly something you could do. No CC required, just a checking acct.

nitink · Post by **nitink** » 10 Apr 2006, 17:10

I thought just let you guys know the final outcome of this
Now accleration is better but in mornings until engine warms up fully (2-4 minutes) car moves like ant, very very slow. but that I will post seperately.

I did the following
1) Front Axel Change
2) ATF FLush
3) Motor flush (in process with CD2)
4) tunning (Fuel filter, spark flugs, air filter)

Now I am getting 23mpg on HW and about 18mpg in City. Is the best I can achieve or if there is anything else can be tuned to achieve better milage.

I saw some mailing list postings, where people claimed 38mpg, that sounds impossible to me, but I will be happy if I could touch 30mpg. Any suggestions plz.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 10 Apr 2006, 22:07

Check for vacuum leaks in all of your small hoses. I get upper 20's on interstate and lower 20's in the city with combined of about 25mpg...and that's with a T5 with an IPD ECU upgrade.

Also, let your car warm up a few minutes before driving off. I never give my right foot the "boost" until my temp is at least in the middle of the gauge either.

nitink · Post by **nitink** » 12 Apr 2006, 11:24

Thanks for your reply.
Can you please give me some idea on how can I check for vaccum leak? do I need any instrument or can it be done by just inspection?

Many thanks

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 12 Apr 2006, 17:42

TIP OF THE DAY:
Really, this may sound strange, but my mechanic showed me this. Since your hoses are "Vacuum" hoses, spray some carb cleaner around the areas of the hoses that you suspect leaks while the car is running, especially the elbows. If you have a leak, the carb cleaner will be sucked in and your engine will surge slightly. Not enough will get in to cause any harm.