Rescuing Geronimo the 2000 V70

[scot850]

That is huge progress! Still a decent list there, but looks like the end of repairs is nearing. It is great that it is running so well. Are you planning to keep it or return to the original owner still?

Neil.

[FireFox31]

This one will eventually be sold on the open market. Currently my girlfriend is using it. This is only the end of the critical first stage of repairs. After this, there's:
Usability upgrades:
- Install ProClip dash mounted phone holder
- Install used JVC radio to provide Bluetooth audio streaming
- Replace broken front speakers
- Replace rusty leaking sunroof glass
- Replace worn out center console
- Replace trunk struts
Later work may include:
- Replace worn engine mounts
- Replace rusted hood, fenders, tailgate
- Repair broken A/C
- Find better heated front seats

I want to bring it to an acceptable minimum to be sold as a truly usable car, not some junker. Hope I don't take too much of a loss.

[scot850]

I wish you luck on not taking a loss! I would never make a business out of it as I usually sell them to someone I know and hate asking what they have cost me in parts, not including my time! My 'R' I will never make money or break even unless it runs for another 100 years or so!

Neil.

[abscate]

The old tag line….how do you make a million dollars in the P80 Volvo business?

Spend 2 Million

[FireFox31]

Geronimo is bragging that it's getting 28.9 mpg. It's driven almost entirely on flat interstate highway. Is that what I get for replacing the front O2 sensor and VVT solenoid... and replaced the fuel filter with a hole in it.

Do you think the miles driven could be inaccurate since I only have three of the four ABS reluctor rings? Are there any other things I can do to push it to 30 mpg?

This weekend, it's scheduled to get the nice used axle to fix a binding CV and get a good reluctor ring, which will FINALLY let me enable ABS and restore cruise control, removing two more dashboard lights. I'll also be replacing the second poorly repaired and leaking trans fluid line (if my inductive heater can break it free from the valve body top) and do a transmission fluid flush. Will be nice to stop the constant leaky mess on the underside.

And I got a generous idea to give Geronimo better seats. I have 2000 seats with excellent leather but need them in my 1998 with incompatible air bags. I might swap the 2000 skins to the 1998, then get aftermarket skins for the 2000 and put them in Geronimo. I still need a heated back foam for the 1998 but that's easier than finding good leather. A lot of work, a lot of cost, all for cars which "aren't worth that much." Not sure I'll do it.

[abscate]

29 mpg sounds about right in good tune. If you back off the gas just a bit from 70-75 mph New England flow you will get 30 mpg

[jsrnsis]

Geronimo is bragging that it's getting 28.9 mpg. It's driven almost entirely on flat interstate highway. Is that what I get for replacing the front O2 sensor and VVT solenoid... and replaced the fuel filter with a hole in it.

Do you think the miles driven could be inaccurate since I only have three of the four ABS reluctor rings? Are there any other things I can do to push it to 30 mpg?

This weekend, it's scheduled to get the nice used axle to fix a binding CV and get a good reluctor ring, which will FINALLY let me enable ABS and restore cruise control, removing two more dashboard lights. I'll also be replacing the second poorly repaired and leaking trans fluid line (if my inductive heater can break it free from the valve body top) and do a transmission fluid flush. Will be nice to stop the constant leaky mess on the underside.

I get a consistent 26mpg whenever I drive to the Adirondacks or New Jersey in my 1994 NA. That has no trip computer so I just do the math when I fill up. That drive includes the local stop and go, interstate, as well as a lot of 40-50mph driving, and 95% of the time I'm not going of of my way to get better gas mileage. Same trip with a 98 V70XC I can hit 25 if I make a great effort, but normally it's somewhere around 21-23 measured by the trip computer, and comparing when I fill up shows the computer to be accurate. For some reason the OBD2 MPG output on the torque app shows an average of 29 for the same trip.

I have no experience with VVT Volvos, but I know a 2015 Subaru Legacy with the 4 cylinder gets 35mpg,

[volvolugnut]

Inflate all tires to max label pressure?
volvolugnut

[FireFox31]

Interesting gas mileage comparisons. The car has Goodyear Assurance tires promising to be decent on gas, not stiff MXV4 or soft high performance. I keep them at 32 psi front, 31 rear. Maybe the fronts being old and stiff is reducing rolling resistance.

I finally reenabled ABS after installing a Midwest ABS module in 12/21. After replacing the right reluctor ring months ago and being unable to replace the left, I swapped on a C70 front left axle. That removed the aftermarket axle binding CV, rusty reluctor which wouldn't fit a new one, and an almost split boot. Feels good to have the ABS and STC lights off. The swap wasn't flawless but that's for another thread.

During the axle swap, I drained then flushed the transmission fluid. Now I have a delayed 2-3 shift so I hope that smooths out.

Next up, replacing the parking brake system. Might do it over 2-4 days; cables over 1-2 days, rear hardware over 1-2 days. Or I'll do other things to keep stalling; rear shocks and springs perhaps.

[abscate]

Give that transmission 500 miles to settle in to new oil amd adapt.