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As I mentioned in another thread, I picked up this really nice '93 245.
I have a couple of questions about it. It has the M47 transmission, which everybody seems to hate, but I think I remember reading that the later year M47s were more robust??? Is this true? If so, why?
The previous owner is running Amzoil ATF in it, but admitted to me he only changed the fluid twice in it's 130k mile lifetime. (He's the original owner.)
Meanwhile, he said he has never changed the rear differential lubricant, which leads me to question #2: What kind of lubricant should I be using in the rear end? Again, I think I remember catching word that Volvo had an optional limited slip rear end in 1993. Is there a way to tell what version I have and if so, what type of lubes are appropriate for either of the two types?
He ran Mobil 1 10w30 in the engine for the car's non-dealer-serviced life, and the engine is quieter than any of the 7 other 240s I've driven.
I want to go through the car and replace the lubricants, but I want to put the right juices in. Amzoil ATF+ synthetic makes no mention of being Type F compatible, which is what the owner's manual states to put in the gearbox.
So I'm just being cautious before proceeding with the big changing of the fluids. Thanks for any info!
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Well saw the photographs and that makes me jealous.Congratulation. How much did you pay for it.
I have red line mtl approx 2.5 q in m47 . Mobil 1 gear oil 75w90 in differential. Mobil 1 ATF in steering . Engine oil was sadly shifted to Castrol.
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DD-1990 240 DL SW M47II FI 3.1 220 K miles Turbo Sways,Custom headlight circuit ,Insulated roof,Tinted Glass,
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I would imagine that one could option a 240 with a limited slip diff in any model year. My father had a '78 with one. Regarding the '93 model year, last year I looked at a 245 of that vintage that had one. The owner had the window sticker that listed it. I probably should have bought it (it had the cruise control and heated seats that yours lacks plus a center armrest) but alas, we could not agree on a price. If you do a search you'll find info on how to identify the LSD.
The trouble with Type F fluid is that it's hard to find, especially in a synthetic. I ended up using the Napa brand type F in my 850 'box. If I did it again I'd just go with the Redline MTL or Amzoil, if they make a similar product for manual trannys.
You mentioned in the other thread that you were already planning on selling your 850 before you bought this one. Can I ask why you would sell such a fine ride?
-Will
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850 / Mini
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I found the Amsoil product I need. I think I'll have to order it online though, since the local place that sells their products doesn't have it. It's #ART in their catalog. The Super Shift racing transmission fluid.
According to my Bentley manual, there's a metal tab on the pumpkin that should say "Fitted with a limited slip differential" As far as I can tell, my car does not have that, which is preferred. My 960 had an Eaton LSD and that car was dangerous in the winter when both tires broke free. (Donut crazy!) I guess one way I could test my 240 is to go do a burnout on a gravel road and check the tire marks.
I bought the 850 in October 2006 on ebay. I put a lot of work into it to get it nice and reliable. It only has about 120k miles on it and it runs just fine, but I have a soft spot in my heart for the RWD Volvos. The car actually changed my opinion about front wheel drive Volvos. The reason for selling it now that I've got it all prettied up? My wife refuses to drive Volvo station wagons and doesn't like it when my driveway is full of cars. I currently have 6 vehicles. She wants a new VW Rabbit with a 6 speed manual transmission.
If I had my way, we'd just have two Volvo wagons as daily drivers. But I also own a truck, so she thinks we have an overabundance of 'utility' and not enough 'cuteness' in our fleet of vehicles.
And happiness spreads like trickle down economics at our house...
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Haha, I can relate on the topic of RWD Volvos and "cuteness". I love my 850, but get 240 envy often. My wife has all but killed that dream. The trouble is that a third car would be a wintertime car for her, so we can save the Mini Cooper (talk about cute car). The Mini has six airbags and all sorts of electronic driver aids, so she's reluctant to go to a "old" car like the 240. Can't say I blame her. My best bet is a '94-'95 945 at this point, but it'll probably be an 850 since they are so plentiful. At least she's not opposed to "utility" at this point. The next car will be a wagon for sure.
Enjoy your new car.
-Will
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850 / Mini
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Everyone prefers Red Line MTL get 2 litres and overfill the trans. Dan (pageda, not paul Driver of Inga)??
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The later M47 uses a very good synthetic oil specially formulated for the M47 (post 89's) for Volvo and it's about as good as gold. I opened up an M47 box with 275k mi on it (against the wisdom of the dealer and other who know better) and the oil was as clean as new Redline MTF which I bought because it was only $12 compared to the Volvo special order at $29/qt oil.
I skinned my knuckles doing it anyway, but probably should've left it alone. That stuff will last the life of the tranny.
If you must, use the Redline MTL as the other post suggests. The tranny should NOT use ATF!. There are detergents and antifoaming ingredients in the ATF oil that will cause the syncros in the M47 to eventually slow down and not match speed as they should. Note the Redline MTL means Manual Transmision Lubricant.
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'89 245 sportwagon, destroyed by hit & run driver, RIP. '04 V70 2.5 T Sportwagon, 12k mi and '91 245 5-speed, 209k mi, replaced the '89
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I couldn't find anyone that could get me Amsoil Super Shift locally, so I ended up ordering two quarts of Redline MTL at Advance Auto. Hopefully it'll be here tomorrow or early next week.
That's good to hear about the later M47s. I've read mostly negative things about them from most of the archived posts.
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Next time around you might check speed shops and 4WD specialty shops in your area to see if they have Red Line MTL. Red Line finally has a "where to buy" section on their web site, but it's not comprehensive. I've tried other lubes in my M47, but MTL seems to work best.
When you renew your trans oil, pay attention to a couple of things. First - ALWAYS remove the fill plug FIRST, then the drain plug. The risk is that you'll find yourself with an empty gearbox and no way to refill it (those plugs sometimes get stuck). DAMHIK.
Next - when it's time to refill with fresh oil, jack your car up on the driver's side (carefully - use jack stands) so you can get about an extra pint of oil in the gearbox. The M47 started out as a 4-speed and then a 5th gear was added on top, where it doen't get a lot of lubrication. My '92 with M47 "sings" a bit in 5th gear as a result of this design shortcoming. But it's at 215K so I can't complain too much.
When you drain your differential oil, take a look at the diff. If it's a "No Spin" diff (limited slip), it should have a sheet metal tag attached to an upper cover bolt attesting to that fact. If it is indeed a No Spin, you'll need to add some "friction modifier" (limited slip additive, about $6 a tube) to the fresh gear lube. Or you can do the functional test you suggested to see if it's a No Spin. Any name-brand gear lube of the proper viscosity will do. And if your diff doesn't seem to have a drain plug, don't worry - just remove the cover bolt at 6 o'clock - that acts as a drain plug. Before you refill, carefully wipe off all the road crud which is encrusted around the fill plug - don't risk getting nasty stuff into the gears.
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Thank goodness we don't get all the government we pay for. -- Will Rogers
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