Recently began towing a fourteen foot fishing boat that weighs aproximately 985 pounds(boat, motor and trailer). I tow with overdrive off as recommended, but power seems to be lacking, particularly on hills.

Should I just get used to this with a non-turbo or can performance be improved?

1993 940 wagon, non turbo

Thanks,

John

If you aren't already doing so, use synthetic engine oil, transmission flush and gear lube in the rear. Won't give you whiplash at the traffic light, but should improve performance to the point where it is noticeable.

I second Dick and add flush P/S with that synthetic ATF. All three Mobil 1 synthetics for engine, transmission and differential are readily available at places like Walmart and Pep Boys, relatively inexpensive and very good quality indeed.

Without actual modifications to the engine, towing is largely a matter of driving on the rev counter in order to keep the engine in it power band. Much like you would drive a truck. Hit a hill in too high a gear, or too slow and you will find yourself dropping out of the power band and rowing down the gears. The weight you are towing is a light load for a Volvo. I regularly tow other Volvos on a 4 wheel trailer weighing 750 KG.

Practice as they say makes perfect.

Regards

Pete, I was just going to post a question on this topic, so you think a 92 non-turbo automatic 940 wagon should be able to tow a 1500 lb camp trailer?

I am looking at one to buy right now and I have this camp trailer that I use once or twice a year. I don't usually go mountain climbing with it but I am concerned about that little four doing what my V8 has done.

You should be able to tow 1500lbs without hurting anything, just be aware that you will probably be religated to the right-hand lane up hills and will not be setting any land-speed records.

Just my personal opinion...but the non-turbos have enough trouble without adding extra weight...so a N/A 940 would not be my tow-vehicle of choice. I tow a 3000lb ski boat with my 965 and it is barely adequate in my opinion, and I've got 85 more horespower and almost that much more torque than the N/A 940. If you plan to do a lot of towing, I'd look for a 940T.

Lance

Easily yes, as Chevy said tranny cooler is a requirement. The towing capacity varied from market to market but 1500 kilos is is what Volvo mostly rated them at. About half of what you're proposing to tow. I reckon that when I recover another Volvo the whole thing (load and trailer) weighs just under 2 metric tonnes, or a bit over 4000 pounds which is at the limit of their capacity.

Regards

That souldn't be a problem at all!!!!!

My old "bomb" that I used to have (244dl, B21E, BW35, Blown head gasket, 750,000Km) once made it to the tip and weighed in at 2.8Ton (over 6000Lb, inc car and passangers). It wasn't a fast tip but it made it.

I think you'll be fine but the tranny oil cooler is a must.