Okay just purchased a 1988 Volvo 245 with 103000 miles on it. I'm doing the usual stuff myself plugs, wires, oil change, air filter etc.
By the way purchased it on Ebay for 1300.00 we weren't expecting much, but it drove straight and felt like a tank. I was instantly hooked. I'd like to be one of those owners who see 300000 miles on their cars. From poking around these and other sites, it seems that the fuel pump/fuse is a potential issue. Any other things I should be looking out for?

Welcome to the club! I'm new to Volvos too. I bought my first 240 about 6 months ago and can say that this is absolutely the best car I have ever owned. The 200 series is super simple to work on compared to other cars. If you haven't already, get the Bentley and Haynes Manuals. Lots of good info. With 103K your 245 has lots of life left if you keep it properly maintained. Both my 240s, one with 110k and the other with 250K miles, compression test to the factory spec! In many cases rust will kill a 240 before the engine wears out. That being said, its a good idea to periodically pull back the carpets and check for any rust or damp spots on the floor. My second 240 (1990 250K) driver side floopan was rusted completely through from the inside out due to a leak in the firewall. Other potential leak sources include the windshield and heater box.

Preston

103,000 miles is low, and gives you a great opportunity to 'zero mile' the car.

Assuming that the 50/100,000 mile service was not done on this car by the previous owner, here is what it entails:

-Check the valve lash and adjust if necessary (probably not)
-Replace valve cover gasket
-Clean flame trap
-Clean throttle body
-**Replace timing belt**, timing belt tensioner and front crank seals
-If original, replace the water pump and thermostat.
-Replace radiator and heater hoses
-Flush the cooling system
-Flush the transmission/replace the fluid (auto/manual)
-Check power steering fluid level, flush system if adventurous
-Replace the fluid in the differential, or at least check to see that it is full
-Replace distributor cap and rotor
-Replace spark plug wires and spark plugs
-Replace air filter (remove airbox thermostat!) and fuel filter

I added a few of these items to the list in that they are not actually part of the 50,000 mile service per Volvo's maintenance schedule, but could probably use attention at this mileage anyway.

If you do nothing else, you DO want to replace the timing belt and tensioner. The service interval is either 45,000 or 50,000 miles on an '88. Nothing catastrophic will happen if it fails, but you will end up stranded somewhere or with a no-start in your driveway.

Couple of other things to check are: motor mounts, tranny mounts, and trailing arm/panhard rod bushings in the rear suspension. They might be okay still at 103K, but then again the rubber is almost 20 years old.

Also take a look at the 700/900 FAQ for procedures to test the oxygen senor and air mass meter. This will help you come smog check time. Old, ailing sensors also decrease your gas mileage and contribute to poor running.

My Volvo: 1988 245A. 200k mi.

Suggestions:

-103k is low mileage but fluids loose their properties with age regardless of mileage. I suggest changing all fluids.

-If yours is an automatic, flush the tranny fluid.

-Change the fluid in the rear end. Check to see if it has the non-slip rear end; I think that uses a different gear oil so check. I use synthetic in my conventional differental.

-Change the fuel filter

-Change the radiator coolant.

-Look at the vacuum lines for cracks - you can purchase black hose in bulk at the auto supply store. May as well just replace them all while you are at it. It is easy and sometimes you can't see the cracks.

-Flush or have a shop flush the brake fluid if it looks dark or has particles floating in it. Careful not to get any on painted surfaces.

-If you must pass an emissions test, be sure the silver pre-heat hose is in place.

Sounds like you have already done a lot.

Get an Owner's Manual, and a Volvo Service Manual Wiring Diagram TP 31076. Call 1-800-25-VOLVO or visit www.volvotechinfo.com Every dollar will be worth it.

Clean the PCV system. Flame trap, oil separator box, all affiliated tubes and hoses. Ever since my 1988 has been on Mobil-1 oil, my PCV system stays clean. (I threw away the flame trap.)

Later on you will want to clean out the rocker panels, maybe re-hab the front seats, and put a vertical adjuster rack on the passenger seat just like the one on the driver's seat.

Good Luck and enjoy the ride,

Bob

:>)

Don't go looking for problems and you won't find them. Basically, until it breaks just drive it and change the oil every 5k. '88 is considered one of the most bulletproof years, just drive it.

If you seek problems you will get picky and obsessive and before you know it you'll be one of us and you'll be collecting parts you DON'T NEED just in case and your garage or attic or closet or kitchen table will be covered with parts from an '82-'83-'84-'85-'86-'87 Volvo 244-45-40-GL-DL Sedan-a-ma-coupe-a-ma-wagon and you'll be on here seventeen times a day.

Drive it. Enjoy it. When it don't work the way it should, come see us. Congratulations, and welcome to the club.

Sean:

That was a very "wisdomatic" response, as a result, I must ask you a few "professional questions":
1: Since 89, we have owned a 240 (a total of three). We also have that XC70 we picked up new at the 240 birthplace in Gothenburg. Sadly though, we are now down to one 245.

2: I have rebuit/restored/resto-modded a 90 244 and a 92 245. Pics of the 245 are currently "gracing" the front page of the BB.

3: On rare occasion, the local Volvo Indy shop will call me for advice when they get a 240 in that has a "psycho" problem.

4: I buy Mann oil filters in bulk.

5: I have part of my paycheck direct deposited to FCP Groton and IPD (just kidding, but I was thinking about it!)

6: The most hated 240 question I have heard is: "Can you replace the blower motor for me??? PLEEZZEE"

7: For our anniversary and my Birthday, the Wife asks me what Volvo parts I need.

8: I'm thinking about starting a Volvo 240 rescue group, you know, like animal rescue that takes abused animals into custody and nurses them back to health.

9: My Wife prefers driving the 245 over the XC70.

Now for the questions:
1: Am I a brick addict?
2: Is there any known cure?

Any input that you can provide on this will be greatly appreciated.

jorrell
--
92 245 245K miles, IPD'd to the hilt, 06 XC70, 00 Eclipse custom Turbo setup...currently close to running again!

Yes, my friend, you have a problem, a serious problem - you are a Volvoholic. There is no cure for Volvoholism, all we can do is take it one day at a time and lean on each other for support. It's a disease that once inside you will always be there. Only the symptoms can be treated.

There is a mantra that sometimes helps in moments of weakness:

"My Volvo is only a car,
It takes me from A to B,
It is made of Swedish steel,
And is not a part of me."

The first step is admitting you have a problem.

Total abstinence is the ultimate goal for people like us, and the only way to achieve lasting peace, but small victories can be had. Skip a washing. Change the synthectic oil every 7,500 miles like the bottle recommends instead of every 3,000. Put the cheapest gas you can find in the tank. One day perhaps you'll be ready to sell or give away all of your Volvos and buy a less addictive car like a Honda or Toyota. Until then...one day at a time.

Good luck, and God bless.

Sean:

Yes, I have heard of "Volvoholism", but I never thought it would happen to me. Unfortunately, I actually have "Swedish steel" embedded in my leg, so the blood poisoning is extreme! Meat balls (my favorite food) anyone?

Sorry, I can not respond further as I must reflect upon my feelings before giving further information. Perhaps I will start a new brick thread tomorrow to address the highly emotional "Volvo Feelings" that we all have. Hopefully, this will be the beginning of society "accepting" Volvoholism as an acceptable deviation from the societal norm.

After all, if members of society are driving something other than a Volvo, its obvious that they don't give a crud about their lives!

jorrell
--
92 245 245K miles, IPD'd to the hilt, 06 XC70, 00 Eclipse custom Turbo setup...currently close to running again!

Another sign of Volvoholism is honking that sweet sounding two tone horn every time you see someone else driving by in an old 240. The other drivers in their modern, plastic-looking cars must think I'm crazy. However, the other Volvoholic usually honks back.

Preston

Preston,

Ah yes, the dual tone horn, since the 92 245 had a whimpy single, I installed an older style dual horn setup, once again it is a BRICK!

jorrell
--
92 245 245K miles, IPD'd to the hilt, 06 XC70, 00 Eclipse custom Turbo setup...currently close to running again!

I wish I read Scorron's post a few days ago, before I ordered a bunch of "back-up" parts from FCP. I guess it is too late for me too.

(3 Volvo owner)

Listen to Scorron on this one. Just get the essentials, fuel pump relay, extra fuses, and whatever else you want to have around. I am crazy obesssive about my 82 245 and its a disease, trust me you will drive yourself nuts with stupid crap, its to late for us, save yourself :)

i agree about not getting to wrapped in stocking up on stuff 'just in case, except i'd get a copy of bentley's and put it on your nightstand. read a chapter each night until you are familier with the lay of the land. then if something sounds amiss or goes south, you can ask intelligent questions here on the brickboard you wont be too afraid to tackle it yourself (with help from this board). i am amazed as to sheer depth of wisdom and encouragement found here on a daily basis.

God, i'm glad my dad bought a new 142 back in '68 - i learned to drive on that car and have had volvos ever since.

have to update my sig, my '91 245 will shortly have 300k on it (guess i'll have to settle for the new decal instead of the medallion).
--
oceanre 91 240 wagon 292k

Isn't the Bentley manual the gateway drug into the addiction?
--
...
'92 245, Black & Tan, Virgo Mags, 130K