Have just got a Australian delivered 1985 Volvo 760 turbo with B230ET (high compression) motor and ZF trans (I checked - ZF plate on it etc). Only done 331 000 km.

Trans changes were a bit harsh and a noisy overdrive engagement noise (fluttery?). Drained the pan, refilled, undid the top oil cooler hose that goes into the radiator, fitted clear plastic hose over the brass radiator nipple, started car, out pumps 2 litres of mud, turn car off, refill pan, do again and again till nice clear fluid comes out.

Trans is amazing now - smooth and quiet - I am so impressed.

That was FAQ tip I read #1.

Next when I rolled down a big hill smoke came out of the exhaust - so I changed the vacuum hose from manifold to the oil/separator (it was blocked solid) and hey presto no more smoke - fantastic!

That was FAQ tip I read #2.

Then my car every so often would die after starting and running perfectly for 2 seconds. Start first pop, purr for 2 seconds and die. Again and again and again. Then it would run perfectly and drive great. Then 2 seconds and die again. So I cleaned the IAC valve - looked ok - pulled apart and still the same. 2 secs and die. Then everything is great and away it goes - perfect. I can't find a pattern.
During the 2 sec period I can make it keep going by using the throttle, a bit of pumping etc, seems to rev out nice - just won't hold a steady rpm. Take foot off throttle and it will die.
I jacked it up so back wheels could rotate, started it, kept it going using the throttle, put it in drive and warmed it up while engaged in D (didn't want to hurt my ZF).
When fully warm it was the same - no change. Wouldn't idle, 2 secs perfect running after starting and die.
Fuel pump seems to be working - it buzzes, you can feel fuel going through the lines.
Big fat spark.
Unplugging the IAC valve seemed to make no difference.

Not sure what to do next - can't see any big vacuum leaks - vacuum manifold is low - the gauge reads a steady 13 rather than 20. You can see the gauge drop to zero just before (? - or at the same time - bit hard to tell) the engine dies.

Battery is fully charged - earthed the battery to the engine - no difference.
If it did it all the time then ok - but sometimes it comes good and it is terrific.

A bunch of wires do look heat stressed and the insulation has completley cracked off - the ones going to cruise control, one out the back of the alternator, one going behind the IAC valve - but it ran perfectly with it like that.

To keep it going I need to continually work the throttle and it runs very poorly - always dieing and then surging smoothly and dieing again.

Any ideas?

best regards

Peter Scott
http://www.users.bigpond.com/pgscott/