Hello,

I’ve finally managed to find and purchase my dream family car- a 95 945T Wagon (My wife still wishes it was an 850, but I’m sure she’ll change her mind over the next 200,000 miles). It has 103,000 miles and I’m going through the list of items in the 700/900 FAQ of things to do after purchasing. I did not get any manuals with the vehicle though, so I’m missing some of the model information until I get my Haynes manual from IPD (can’t find one anywhere locally). Could someone give me info on coolant and engine oil capacities and spark plug gap so I can get started?

Any advice on maintainence items in addition to the 700/900 FAQ would be appreciated.

I’m thinking about switching to synthetic (AMSOIL), but still going through the brickboard posts for opinions on that subject.

Thanks in advance for any info.

John

My son and I were looking for a late 940 (for him) and he found one on the Internet at a local dealer at a good price. I am a little jealous since it is a 95 944T (100k) and my ride is na. With no history, I am replacing the (GIANT) breather box (NO easy task), t-belt, acc belts, upper, lower rad hose, water pump (Volvo pump is a low cost item), T-stat, fuel filter, and on to plugs, cap, wires and a few other things. I will check and adjust the valve clearances, replace the hushers and keep an eye on the rad. There is a hole in the resonator and the whole exhaust system may need replacing. Switch over to synthetic oil and AT fluid. Flush the PS fluid with syn AT fluid. Pads are good but I will clean and lube the guide pins, clean the ABS sensors which will be full of metal fuzz, and flush the lines with a synthetic DOT4. I am helping my son or he is helping me. I hold the first lien so he has to let me drive it occasionally (please son?). That about $300+ worth of stuff less the exhaust system and should prevent a lot of the common problems for the next 100K.
--
Tom F

I too just (5 days ago) joined the 940 club after 20+ yrs of 240 ownership. (still in the family - the kids have 'em)

I got a lot of great info on specs, capacities, recommended fluids, etc. from the Volvo site mentioned...get ready to wear out your printer! Not knowing how well this 1994, non-turbo sedan was maintained, (but it looks nice) I'm going over it pretty thoroughly:

fresh filled with petroleum 5W30; soon to be drained (hot) and replaced with Mobil-1 10W30, or 0W40 if I can find it, and a Mann filter.

already installed new NGK plugs and air filter
flush cooling system with Prestone HD rad flush, and refill with 50/50.
remove coolant overflow tank and clean out the deposits.
flush auto trans (using the unhooked cooler line method) - fill with ATF.
flush/refill pwr steering.
check valve clearances.
get a wheel alignment and wheel/tire balance and rotation.
check brake pad thickness, rotor axial runout.
bleed/flush brake system and refill with DOT-4
check charging system voltage with all lights, blower, wipers, etc. turned on
get battery load tested at Autozone or NAPA (free service)

That should take care of the major stuff. Then I can take my time to check other things which are more to satisfy curiosity than find an expected problem:

(oil pressure/cooling system pressure test/cylinder compression test/airbox thermostat function, etc...)

THEN - in goes the pounding stereo, the Hella fog lights, and maybe one day, the LS-1 engine......

best of luck with the new treasure.
--
Bob (81-244GL B21F, 83-244DL B23F, 94-940Sedan B230F)

You can access an on-line version of the manual for your car (and all Volvos back to '86) at the Volvo Owner Connection (http://new.volvocars.com/ownerscircle/). Just login and go to Driving-->Virtual Glove Box-->Owners Manuals.

Congrats on the purchase, BTW, you have what many consider to be the finest RWD Volvo ever made.

jeff daigle
'89 745GL 141,000mi