I thought I was buying s decent car - 87 with an 89 B230F engine. Until it overheated on the road ($225 tow charge). Fixed that - bad pressure cap; now I have the right (low pressure) one (but not from my local dealer - "they don't exist" - from Jim Fisher Volvo, via the net, thanks to this site.)

Ran good for a couple of weeks, then went into limp mode, then worse. Have had "professional" diagnostic help - costly, but still doesn't make the car run. Will crank and start - but won't drive - dies when going into gear. What I have done so far, in order, thanks to tips from this site:

Plugs/wires

Thermostat, expansion tank cap

Flame trap/cleanup of area

Cleaned up IAC

Cleaned throttle body - was filthy

Checked all fuses and cleaned up contact areas

Did quick and dirty check on the FPR - No problem found

AMM (probably unecessary - the "expert" swore that would do it - I'm swearing now)AND THERMOSTAT

ECT sensor/wiring cleanup.

After the ECT, it wouldn't start. Did the old Jumper trick for the FP/FI relay -heard the pump for the first time ever. AHA! Repalced the relay - car started, but still runs like crap. TIMING seems to be the problem - it is sitting at approx 28 - 30 BTDC - I know that is wrong. Can't loosen distro to try to move the mark. Looked at belt - looks brand new.

Question: Can the radiator-mounted thermo sensor be the culprit? I read somewhere that this will advance the timing about 13 degrees - just about what I am dealing with. I am really tired of building a Volvo piece by piece - this is my first, but may be my last if I can't fix it.

Thanks to anyone who can help me regain my manliness by fixing this %#%) thing!