1995 850 Turbo - Turbo pressure on release set low?

ErickKW · Post by **ErickKW** » 07 Oct 2015, 10:40

Hello. New user, longtime Volvo owner and lurker.

I am considering buy a 1995 850 Turbo wagon as a second Volvo to play with (currently a happy S90 owner)

My question is concerning the turbo.

When questioned about the condition of the turbo itself, the seller responded: "...but the pressure on the release has been set lower than factory to keep it running well. It will not take off like a typical turbo."

Having no prior turbo experience, I am would like to know what would necessitate such an adjustment before making the decision to purchase in order to avoid a potentially difficult learning/troubleshooting process.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 07 Oct 2015, 11:35

The wastegate adjustment can be set to open early but there is no real valid reason to do that. Since this is a line from a seller I am suspicious.

Most people go the other way a turn to get more boost out of them. You can go too far and cause damage to the engine due to excessive boost but at the factory prescribed setting it will cause no damage to the engine whatsoever.

...Lee

Post by **scot850** » 07 Oct 2015, 13:19

+ 1 to what Lee says. I don't trust anyone when buying a car. That sounds like a line, but maybe true. Ask who made the adjustment and for receipt for the work.

It is more likely a failing TCV or TBV which does happen with the age of this car, and not too hard to replace. The TBV is a bit fiddly but does not require the turbo to be removed on this car.

Neil.

Post by **abscate** » 07 Oct 2015, 13:35

IF it isn't belching smoke and losing coolant, pretty much anything wrong with the turbo can be fixed cheap. The turbos on these cars are pretty bullet proof.

Cue Roberts video "How to buy a Volvo" .....

ErickKW · Post by **ErickKW** » 07 Oct 2015, 16:32

Thanks for the replies, everyone.

If it is still around Friday, I will check it out in person.