1990 740 GLE 16V 130,000 mi.

Car has been well maintained.

Will be starting a new job with a 100+ mile each way commute. Would like to know what preventive maintenance should be performed that I may still need.

Done so far:

tune-up (air cleaner, plugs, cap, rotor, fuel filter)
heating control valve & hoses
IAC removed & cleaned
radiator changed
expansion tank & hoses
fan belts
brakes & rotors
center drive shaft bearing
power brake booster (slight leak)

- Planning on doing the camshaft belts soon. I have had the car since 97,000 mi. & have yet to do them. Should the tensioner also be changed at this time?

- Need a supplier for parts for the alternator. Brushes & bearings since I'm not sure how much longer it will work (no problems yet).

Thanks for any and all advice.

st

As far as the alternator goes -

Our '88 745 GLE had its brushes go at 210,000 - a non-Volvo mechanic sanded down a set that were slightly larger for another car - they were working fine at 235,000 when we sold this brick.

Our '90 744 TI had the alternator sieze at 210,000 miles!!! I got a good one at the pick and pull, it only had 110,000 miles on it. It is still working at 234,000 miles.

Our '90 745 GL which we sold to a friend has 201,000 miles on the original alternator.

I think that you should pick up a set of brushes (regulator included) new or used and keep them in the trunk.

BTW my indie tells me that the brushes will stick when they are nearly worn - give the alternator a few taps and it might get you home
--
'96 855R, 95 855, '95 854, 90 744TI 377,000 miles on 7 bricks

I would replace the timing belts & tensioner rather sooner than later, as much as it is a PITA on the 16V engine. And while you are at it, replace the water pump too - that's what killed my 240! Check your wheel alignment as well, 200+ miles a day will eat up your tires quickly.


-M.R.

get an extra:
water pump
starter
distributor
alternator
fuel pumps&relay
AMM

and throw em in the trunk
keep a can of starting fluid as a quick check for no fuel situations.

the beauty of getting this stuff BEFORE you have a problem...you can get it all at the junkyard for about $150, and test all the parts in advance. If you have good roadside coverage, you can leave it all in a box at home. It may be cheapest to go to Pick n pull and buy a 'complete engine', then bring back the core if you have no interest in an extra block.

Wonder how I acumulate way too much crap in my life?
at least breakdowns don't usualy set me back for too long.

I would change the belt now that you are in the mood and you are motivated to do it. www.fcpgroton.com can hook you up! The tensioner will probably be good for the life of the car. I would have the tranny filter changed and new fluids put in the rear end.

Have fun

Jerry

1990 760 Turbo wagon (super sleeper)