Don't believe everything you read... I wish my usual mechanic ascribed to that philosophy. When I bought my 1990 740 GLE 16V wagon late in 2000, I took it to him for the first time for the once over. He found numerous expensive little problems, but assured me that the sticker on the engine stated that the timing belt had been replaced 5000 miles before and that I shouldn't worry - yet. However, he did explain what would happen should it go bad.

I asked him to change it anyway, to be safe, but he just wouldn't do it. I didn't twist his arm as hard as I should have because about 14 days ago, on my commute, the engine died. No warning, really, except an increasingly noisy engine that seemed to find it harder and harder to accelerate from a dead stop. I was planning to have it looked at (famous last words.)

Well, $4,000.00+ later (and a new engine from the block up) I'd like to share what my **new** mechanic told me. After buying a used Volvo, always go ahead and have the timing belt replaced. Right away. Ignore the sticker -- save yourself the week of lost work and pay, and additional new debt incurred. I love my Volvo, but this time love really hurt. On the upside, since I have replaced almost everything else along the way already, I am driving what sounds and feels very much like a new car. Luckily the body is beautifully preserved.

Now for my questions (if you're still with me): I need to replace my AC blower fan under the dash. I was quoted about $400. for the job, including the fan. All the money's gone to have it done, as you can probably understand. I have a replacement part (at least that what I was told when I bought the part) and would like to try installing it myself. I am not much of a mechanic, but I can do some things. Is there anything special I should know before I start, and, has anyone had the experience doing this in this model that could give me some tips/advice?

Second one is easy, but will shed some light on my mechanical abilities:

I replaced my power antenna mast, and all was well, except that the mast seemed very loose and wobbled at the insertion point. I could tell that one freeway trip doing 70 mph (this car *wants* to do 90, now)would snap it off. So, I cut about 6 inches off the tail and reinserted it. It did solve the wobbly problem, but makes an awful noise when it has reached (almost)full extension. It is as if the motor is expecting that last six inches of plastic and grinds it's teeth for about 3 seconds, then quiets down. I have ordered another replacement and will try again. What did I do wrong? If we don't cut the the plastic, how do we keep the mast from rising too high above the housing?

Thanks, sorry for the lengthy message.
Dean