Many problems have accumulated up over the last year and i've learned to deal with each one of them. But now its just gotten annoying and i need these things fixed. First of all, there is a "ghost" noise coming from my engine within the first 5 minutes of driving. It's rather loud and goes away after 5 minutes, but it needs to be fixed. Secondly, (this just started about a week ago) when i start my car up sometimes, a problem occurs where I will give the car gas (i have a standard) but the car will not go any faster. The engine revs but i won't go one mile faster. Suddenly, I will all of a sudden get a massive bolt of energy and the car finally starts going. Is a belt not catching or what? This is what has really got me angry and I would like to know what I can do to fix it or whether I have to go to my mechanic to have this problem fixed. Finally, where is the best place to buy oem tail lights for a wagon. Mine are all cracked and fogged up and they need to be replaced. Oh yea, where can i find good bumper trim too (front and back left pieces) for under $30 each. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

shaun

Sounds like your clutch is getting to be dead (or a sticky throwout bearing).
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chris herbst, five volvos.

Definately sounds like something to do with clutch slippage.
That slip then hard grab, can be oil soaking of the clutch sometimes
Do you have oil leaking down the back of the engine ( leaking valvecover gasket, rear plug etc), or from the rear main seal area? Or the trans input shaft seal?

it may be oil soaking the clutch because a couple of months ago something burst and oil was sprayed all over the engine hull. Looks like i'll have to go to my mechanic and get this fixed. Hopefully he can fix the "ghost" noises too, they drive me up the wall. Thanks a lot.

shaun

Not sure the ghost noises are related, but your second issue sure sounds like a clutch problem. Ditto the previous post answer on checking linkage, T.O. bearing, pressure plate etc.
If you are talking about the small 90 degree curved mouldings that go right above the front and rear bumper, I believe I may have at least a front piece that would fit. I'm not totally sure of the crossover, but the piece I have is from an '84 240 sedan. I'll try to check to see if it will work on an '89. Send me an e-mail if you are interested. The price would fit into your stated range even including shipping.
Good luck!
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Roger - '85 240 GL Wagon

The L-shaped bumper trim is different between '86-'93 and the pre-'86 cars.
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Volvo 240 Links

sorry, forgot to mention that its a wagon too

Sounds like you have a throwout bearing or a bearing on the drivebelts going
bad. The other problem is you have a slipping clutch. It may be because of an
old stiff clutch cable. However, once the clutch itself slips it's usually
bad.
Dave 82 242ti 266k mi.