Hi,

My wife's '88 240 has 130K miles, with the original alternator and master cylinder. Is this unusual? I was trying to decide if I should go ahead and replace them just to be safe.

Incidentally, all the suspension is original too. I know I have to replace it, but it did pass inspection here in NJ. They failed it for a loose headlight!

Thanks!

Not to beat a dead horse (and what an awful expression that is!), but my alternator is original. I don't remember if the brushes are original but I don't think that they are. According to my stock voltmeter it puts out a strong, steady voltage.

I had an '82 240 with about 170,000 miles that needed either new brushes or a new alternator. The lights on the car flickered.

My MC is also original...as are my shocks and struts. I may get new shocks soon as my car's rump sometimes has a mind of its own.
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Mike F - 1984 244 DL - 237,000 miles - Undergoing cosmetic surgery with POR-15

Thanks, everyone, for the great info. I think I'll concentrate on the suspension. Now I have to decide on rubber vs. poly!

My alternator failed at 235,000 miles.
I wouldn't bother replacing things just for age - you can never tell when anything is going to fail, and they might give hundreds of thousands of miles more service yet.
It would be a good idea to change the brake fluid though. Use a pressure bleeder and just loosen each nipple in turn until the new fluid comes through. DON'T pump the pedal - that is a sure way to destroy the master cylinder.

I actually did change the brake fluid, about two years ago with the EZ Bleeder. I have a spare master cylinder sitting on the shelf for about 10 years - I wonder if the rubber is dried up inside.

Thanks!

I've got a '77, and I only replaced the alternator last month. The master cylinder is original.
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Drive it like you hate it

I just noticed that in the "my posts" section. I just had the master cylinder replaced, after killing the brakes driving down a long mountain.
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Drive it like you hate it

You should have many, many years of happy alternator life ahead of you still. If it makes you feel better, pull out the regulator the next time you change the oil (it's much easier with the oil filter off) and take a look at the brushes. You might have to replace those sooner or later, but don't worry about the alternator itself. The wiring to the alternator can be a trouble spot, but your alternator is pretty hearty, typical Volvo quality.

Same with MC, but there you might have some concern before your alternator. It could last until 250K, but then again it could go tomorrow. It depends a lot on how often you've kept up with the brake bleeding. The MC doesn't like old contaminated fluid. But the MC will probably fail on you pretty gradually, with plenty of warning before it gets dangerous. I wouldn't recommend changing it as preventive maintenance, because really it could last you quite a long time.

240 alternators rarely die. Last year I was replacing them on 86 240's with questionable mileage (seems everybody hits the tripometer while moving). I replaced mine at about 350K, and it was all my fault. I was planning on getting around to replacing my leaking front seals, really I was. The oil spilling into it took out my alternator.

Master cylinders generally last close to 200K, give or take some. The replacement ones don't last as long. I assume it is because of weaker components down the line.

Chris

I have 195K an 19+ years on my original alt and it's still going strong, it will need brushes soon. Dan
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85 245 M46 195K, 92 245 A70 123K

My alternator died at 185K on my '86 240 and I installed a reman from Autozone 6 years ago....going strong. I still have the original starter though. That's the one I worry about lately. I just turned 290K miles last week. I just replaced and retrofited the a/c last year (had to recharge it 5 years ago). Gotta love it......

". I still have the original starter though. That's the one I worry about lately. I just turned 290K miles last week."

The starter on my 1980 is ORIGINAL at 424k.

Can't say as much for the alternator.

But the alt on my 1992 is original at 210k and that ain't bad.

Doug Harvey

My alternator has 238K on it and still works great!

Replaced MC at around 175K.



Jim 90 244DL 238K

One of my customers has a 1989 240 sedan - 356,000 miles. Original alternator - brushes & regulator replaced once. Original master cylinder, also - yearly brake fluid changes pay off.

Funny I just asked myself the same question since the bearings on my alternator just failed (it screeches unbelieveably loud). The original alternator lasted 11 years and 130k miles. The replacement Volvo rebuilt alternator lasted 13 years and 142k miles. These are the 55amp alternators (no power windows, etc on my 240). Not sure what failed on the original alternator (was my parents' car then), may have just needed brushes.

Master cylinder life has varied greatly over the life of the car.

Zack
1980 245DL M46 272k
1988 745T+ M46 193k
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1980 245DL M46 1988 745T+ M46

I've owned two 1980 240's over the years (they both were totaled, but they kept me whole). The alternators failed on them before 100K. Maybe the older 55 amp jobs weren't as dependable as the new ones.

Thanks!

Nah, after 150 I'd look at the brushes and worry about a clutch on a 240.