The other day my youngest son had the misfortune to snap the mast on his mum's 240.

My parts supplier informed me that there were 2 types of aerials used in the 88 240. If mine had the white nylon toothed attachment the mast alone could be replaced. Otherwise the complete aerial including the motor would need to be purchased. Mine had the white nylon attachment.

This morning it was instal time. After reading Jon Rush's Tech Tip found at Swedishbricks I factored in 30 mins for the job. Three hours later a few things have become apparent....

a. little in the Tech Tip seemed relevant and

b. the genuine Volvo mast supplied is slightly longer than the original and its diameter is greater. The original has 3 sections whereas the new one has 5.

The diameter of the new one made it impossible to use. We didn't get a chance to see if length would be a concern.

Questions.

Has anyone replaced an '88 240 sedan's mast?

If so did the replacement have 3 sections ?

Do any 240 sedans have 5 section masts?

I can buy the complete aerial for $70, double the price of the mast alone.

Is a 13 year old motor reaching its used by date and therefore am I better off buying the complete unit?

Are there any tips that make the job easier?

Thanks in advance.

John H from DOWNUNDER

Why not just get a fixed mast replacement, I have found they get way better reception anyway

John -

I have done that type replacement, and have rescued one from a boneyard.

(1) Three-section or five-section is irrelevant, the diameter is critical. Get your source to cough up the right size.

(2) The other critical thing is that the nylon gear must be absolutely straight for the last 15 inches for it to slip down into the area where the motorised gear will catch it. The tube that the mast collapses into has a flat bottom with a hole in the center just big enough for the nylon gear, so if it's "curly" it will go down the side of the tube and stop on the flat bottom off to one side.

(3) I have been successful at installing a Volvo p/n 3533568-6 mast replacement, the instructions were quite good. I used a jerry-rigged wire connection in the trunk instead of having a helper turn the radio on and off. The wiring is such that of the two in the connector, black and green, neither is ground. If the green is hot, the mast retracts. If both the black and green are hot, the mast extends. Test it with the unit vertical, if it's horizontal it will seem to fail. DAMHIK

Good Luck,

Bob

:>)

Thanks Bob & Jessie,

I had a look at a universal aftermarket unit this afternoon on the way home from work. The price was right but the quality was marginal.

It is apparent as usual that OEM is worth paying extra for. That is if they can supply the right unit!

Have not contacted my supplier yet but have the feeling when I do that he will tell me the only other option I have is to buy a complete unit.

Jessie I prefer to keep the car original if I can, but your advice may be heeded if all else fails.

Anyway, thanks fellas for responding with your advice and instructions.

John H from DOWNUNDER