Hello. Just purchased my first 240 volvo. 1993 245, 66K miles, white in NICE shape. Just did the timing belt, water pump, all seals, new radiator, hoses, oil change (Mobil 1 w/ Mann filter), Flame trap with new hoses, new plugs, rotor and cap. Car runs pretty darned nice. What kind of things do I need concern myself with beyond what I've mentioned. I'm guessing that this car does not have the concerns that related to the wiring harnesses, but I'd like to know from those of you in the know, what things need attention in order to keep this car running and trouble free. Any help will certainly be appreciated!

Thank you all very much!

Sincerely,

JBeechcraft

Don't worry about the wiring harness. Volvo changed the "disintergrating design" in 1988. It is only the older cars that have that problem to the best of my knowledge...


Jim 90 244DL

Well, you are off to a good start. If it was in my stall though I would check the rear trailing arm and differential locating arm bushings, the preheat thermostat in the air filter box, make sure that the wire harness hasn't started to disintegrate yet ( look at the 8-pole connector on the firewall behind the valve cover/intake manifold area, see if the breather box needs replacing/resealing, check the transmission over real good for leaks, shifter bushings, engine and trans mounts, trans flush, differential pinion seal, check the floor pan for rust (look at it from underneath and look in the area of the center support bearing for the driveshaft), and adjust the valve. Please tell me you put in a new thermostat with the water pump and radiator right?

Rule 308

I'd be glad to tell you that I put a new thermostat in when I replaced the radiator. Better yet. I actually did it too! :) However, I used the one I purchased from FCPGroton.com which seems to be a French offering. Never been crazy about French automotive parts either individually or assembled. Nevertheless, I'll give it a try.

What does the preheat sensor in the air box do. I think I noticed that thing which looks like a brass pole in the box. I would hope that this '93 would not be prone to dissintegration of the wiring harness like the early 80's cars, but I acquiesce to your expertise!

I guess aside from the other items which I'll do over time (my hoist consists of a pair of rhino ramps), the only thing I'm concerned about is flushing out the transmission. This car was serviced pretty regularly by Volvo. It's white and not a single dent and no rust. I actually saw the previous owner driving the car and stopped him. It had a cam seal leak and despite that, the guy loved it! He kept talking about needing a truck for work, and I kept talking about buying the car right then and there. I actually had 1500.00 in my pocket as I was going to buy another car. Finally, he said he'd sell it. We drove to his house, changed various paper products and off I went.

I did notice what I believe to have been the original spark plugs. They say Volvo on them. So either they are those from the Volvo service, or, they have never been changed.

Thanks so much for the help, I do appreciate it.

Funny thing is, I also have a 94 945Ti and I think I actually llke the 245 better. The both have low miles 945=88K; 245-66K.

Thanks again.

Sincerely,

JBeechraft

Hello,
One more thing, buy a Bentley's repair manual. pay the $30.90 price for a new one on ebay--if you don't see it, check back later.

the air box thermostat serves 2 purposes. it is there for cold days.

1) it opens a flap on cold days to allow heat to enter the engine which helps the car run. once the engine is warmed up the heat from the engine will expand the a/b thermostat, which will close the flap.

2) recycles exhaust fumes.

test the air box therm in boiling water to see if it expands. if it does, it's ok, if nothing, get a new one or just tape the flap closed.

a non-working a/b thermostat will allow hot air from the engine to enter through to the amm (air mass meter) which has a needle inside to measure air flow. the hot engine air will cause the titanium needle to fail prematurely, which in turn cause your car to run poorly. the ecu unit that monitors your amm will try to adjust your injection system to your failed amm. ie your car will run badly.

great deal on the 93 wagon. i'm looking for a 93 wagon with no rust.

regards,
byron golden
bc1_2002
86 240 wagon, original owner, 240k+ mi
added: bilstein t/c strut inserts, ipd sway bars, p/w, p/heated side mirrors, full instrum, complete front suspension bushings & ball joints, tie rod, & the usual stuff--t/belt, a/c 134 convers, water pump, blower repair, heater valve, etc, etc
projects: rear bilstein t/c shocks (this week), windshield, rust repair, paint, rear suspension bushings, radio, fuel sender etc etc

Wow! $1500 for a 93 with 66K miles....you definitely stole this car! You probably should check anything involving rubber.... ball joints, bushings, tie rods, upper strut mounts etc. The 93 240's were the last year for production and most of the bugs had been worked out by then.... probably on of the most reliable years. You should get many miles/years out of this one......Happy Brickin!

DannyMac
92 244 GL, 132K