I have an old 240, 1984. I'm having a couple of problems with it. I think I have the brakes MOSTLY sussed out, but I'll get to that later.

The car has standard transmission, 4 spd with OD.

Sometimes it's easy to get into second, sometimes it doesn't want to go into second at all. It's always easier to get into second from first than it is from third. I'm not having any trouble getting it into any other gear, it goes into third and 4th like a dream, 1st can get a touch sticky, but I can always find it.

Any pearls of wisdom before I take it to a transmission place and say what i just said?

Onto the brakes. They're spongy, dangrously so. I know I need 3 new rotors and allegedly my front passenger caliper is also acting up. Do you think the master cylinder might be a little faulty as well? There is no fluid loss that I can see, the fluid level in the reservoir hasn't moved since I had the car looked at last december, but the sponginess has gotten to the point where I either fix the car or stop driving it. Can the master cylinder go without leaking?

I'd like to get it fixed. This car is wonderful. Thank you for your help :)

The trans problem is that the synchronizers ( especially second gear ) are gong out.. Find a used trasnny (about $350 to $500) from the pick and pull that has low as you can get miles on it..It will be cheaper than the rebuild. But if you want a rebuild then go for it,, about $700 to $1000 is normal around here..
Ah the brakes.. hmm sounds like you have enought of a caliper problem that you may be getting air into the system.. If I were going to replace all the parts that you mentioned then I would put out the little extra money and get the master cylinder...Even replacing the rubber hoses on the calipers and rear brakes are a must as they will deteriorate from the inside out..They come apart inside and make a type of one way valve that will cause back pressure in the system..

Ouch on the tranny. I'll print out your message and bring it with me when I get it looked at, just to confirm that's what it is. If it is, then I'll definitely be scouring the land for the parts I need. We have a relatively kick-ass junkyard in town, I don't know if they have any volvo parts, but there are a lot of old 240s zooming around the city, so I could strike it lucky.

I will spend the extra money and get the master cylinder replaced when I do the brakes. I've gone through the parts stores online, so I have an idea of how much things will cost, I'm just on the lookout for a mechanic :)