OK. I was going to bring this 1995 850 turbo w/133K back to the guy I bought it from but I have decided to keep it. Despite the fact it leaked oil and needed a new fuel pump and turbo intercooler hose in the first 2 days I owned it.

It was leaking oil somewhat steadily. Turned out to be a poor quality seal used to replace the distributor assembly seal.(What a difference parts quality can make!).The leaking seal looked almost new...just poor quality! The oil cooler lines are leaking too and I will replace them.

I'm pretty sure the dash lights flickering on and off intermittently is probably the dash light dimmer switch and rheostat. How does that come out?

I will attempt to get some offset from the guy I bought it from.
I like the car too much and now that I know it's not huge issues, I am inclined to keep it rather then keep hunting.
Next on the list is changing the trans. fluid. I will either use my suction tank or do the radiator line method. I will use dino ATF though. I think I will stick with a 5W-30 synthetic blend oil for it going forward too.

Also, I detect the smell of coolant inside the car. I cannot tell if it is residual from a leaking and replaced heater core or the beginning of failure of the existing one. I will keep a steady eye on the coolant level and note if the interior windows fog too quickly. The heater core is not a deal breaker either.

The AC works pretty well. I will also change the cabin air filter to attempt to keep it that way. Don't want to have to replace the evaporator! In fact it goes I probably won't!

Good debugging.

When my dash lights flickered intermittently, it was the headlight switch itself. My memory is that if I twiddled with the switch, I could replicate the problem. You're right - the heater core isn't too bad on these. Enjoy.

Hello

If there isn't any service history on the car, change the ATF right away. Lots of otherwise good 850s have busted transmissions because of a failure to change the ATF for the life of the car to date. And I would go for a synthetic ATF for better lubrication, longer ATF life, cooler trans, and all round better shifts. I have had an 850 T-5 with dino ATF in it for the last 1.5 years and the switch to synthetic ATF recently has made an enormous difference to the overall performance of the car - it feels much much smoother to drive now. Worth every cent of the rather pricey synthetic - it's going to last longer than the dino anyway so I reckon it will add up to the same in the end, with better peace of mind!

Merry Christmas!

Lucast

The 95 may not have a cabin filter so look before you order. A filter holder to replace the silly air guide that is in there will be required.
Just take the driver's side center stack kick plate off to see the bottom of the heater core. If it doesn't leak much, sqve the hour task for a day when your back feels real good.

The oil lines are a pain to get to at the oil pump end, if that is where the leak is. Use Volvo/dealer seals at this end so you don't have to go in again. The radiator end seals are no big deal, a good hose clamp will help there.

Yep, dino tranny fluid is a good choice. Especially for the first flush.

All of the switches on the dash pull out, push in. To make it easy for me, I always pulled off one of the blanks and worked my way left to the hard to get out light sw and dimmer control. Long fingers pushing from the rear is easier than a small screwdriver twilting from the front, especially in cold weather.

Get a bunch of Radio Shack Micro Bulbs #7219, 2/$1.50. They work perfectly for the switch lamps. Then set the dimmer sw at 80% to preserve the life of all of the bulbs.

Klaus
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Proud owner of a 220S. If I had more room, I would have more Volvos.

Thanks Klaus! Good info.

dg it a toolbag and offers no useful input.He is a worthless human.

The seal became poor quality when the backyard mechanic tried to pound it in with a flat head screwdriver in an attempt to slow the leak down so he could get 500 bucks from the only used car dealer in town that doesn't do a 200 point quality inspection to ensure that his customers get a safe reliable car.

You may want to buy a respirator to keep from breathing in antifreeze fumes- they are bad for you. Sometimes that antifreeze smell is from a leaking water pump weep hole and that usually means a 700.00 repair with the new timing belt and other misc. seals and stuff...

Good luck with your new car......let us know what the grand tally was for repairs and how much your friend gave you back on the purchase price!

Hey dg. Are you a tool or do you just work with them?
Haah!!