ditto on the Randy comments - he's a keeper.

I have been following your thread and wasn't able to comment over the weekend when I wanted to because the site was not working properly.

First of all I would have suggested Seafoam Trans Tune. I think you put it in, drive for a while (less than 1000 miles IIRC) and then flush the fluid. I would have also suggested Lucas Trans Fix to be included in the flush (near the end to ensure most of it stays in the trans). Some people are dead set against additives of any kind but I don't feel like these are 'additives' per se, and do their job effectively and safely if used as directed.

http://www.seafoamsales.com/trans-tune.html

http://www.lucasoil.ca/products/product.asp?id=43&cat=Automotive


Now it seems you've determined that the trans may not be the problem, but frequent trans maintenance is pretty important with these cars. I think the transmissions are pretty good (even the 5 speed), they just need lots of care to stay healthy.

As to the possibly-fuel-related problem, I'm not sure what you meant when you said the fuel filter is not serviceable - the fuel filter should be serviceable on any car. I'm not sure where it is on the P2 cars but you should definitely be able to find it and replace it.

DEFINITELY you will need to check all Vac and PCV lines and ensure they're open, not leaking, and not collapsing. I tend to think if you're going to go through all the trouble of pulling the breather box and tubing etc away to inspect you may as well replace it all and just know it's all brand new. It's inexpensive, though it does take a fair bit of time, esp doing it one hose length at a time like I do (so I don't get confused).

You can use propane or butane to check for vac leaks after you have it all put back together. There are descriptions of this on this board and elsewhere.


Depending on the mileage on your ignition components it might be worth simply refreshing those as well just to be on the safe side (rather than cleaning). New plugs (OEM or aftermarket coppers) and possibly wires (and if your car has them dist cap and rotor but I think yours has coil-on-plug system).

A Seafoam head/fuel system wouldn't hurt either. Again the description of this is here and elsewhere. Even some youtube videos showing the whole process.

--
1998 V70 AWD->FWD Turbo 200k+