Hello to All:
I just signed up and wanted to say thanks to the group for having all the information out there to help me through a timing belt job. I recently bought a 1991 240 as my daughter's first car. It was in good shape with 154,000 miles and had all the maintenance done and signed off by the Volvo dealer. This gave me the confidence that this car had been properly cared for even though 154k is more miles than I'm used to. What I've found out is that this is one very well made car. Since May 28th, the day I got the car I've done the following work (myself - except as noted!):
-Changed out instrument cluster - everything worked but the odometer and the previous maintenance records (milage and dates) backed up the previous owners story that it had just broken a month or so before. $200 for a used one at a local salvage yard. Also replaced the bulb in the A/C switch.
- Replaced the right rear tail light assembly. There was one lens broken and I got a used one a the salvage yard for $45 (after a fair amount of negotiation).
- Put in an aftermarket Alpine CD Player / Radio and 4 new speakers - the stock radio was really bad. Paid about $500 altogether with installation. This was one better left to the pros.
- Removed and replaced the driver's seat trying to figure out if it would adjust to go back further. No luck - it was already back as far as it would go. Fixed a loose spring and added one that was missing while I was under there though.
- Did a bunch of normal maintenance items - plugs, wires, cap, rotor, air filter, cleaned out the flame trap (it was not bad but I feel better now) wipers, greased and oiled everything that moves and machine waxed & buffed it.
- Replaced the front turn signal lenses. Did an internet order to scancar.com and I really was impressed. They shipped (out of San Juan PR) and I had them in Baltimore in 2 days. Great price - $39 - both lenses with shipping.
- Replaced the grille and the chrome pieces over the headlights. Got them all from a salvage yard for $40. Nice shape - cleaned up well with Maguires Cleaner Wax.
- Replaced the timing belt - big job for me but the posts helped where the Haynes manual was weak. Ordered the parts from fcpgroton.com and they arrived within a week. Great service. I chickened out and also bought the special counterhold tool (9995284) from spx. $60 with shipping - took less than a week. This thing works great and is the wildest looking tool in the box now. Changed out the tensioner as well but skipped the seals. I had purchased them but nothing was leaking so I left well enough alone. Besides, the cam sprocket was not going to loosen without yet another special counterhold tool that I'm not ready to buy yet. The job went pretty well except for the A/C belt. I had a heck of a time getting the compressor to slack off. These Volvo tension rods are pretty cool though - better than a big screwdriver anyway.
- Fixed the sunroof. All of a sudden it was not closing all the way and the handle felt like something was stripped. After disassembly it turned out to be that the retaining clip had popped off the gear and the two rear adjusters needed a quarter turn to get the back to pop up even with the roof. No parts needed - lucky break.
- The next job is a coolant flush, new radiator and heater hoses along with a fuel filter. I got these parts from fcpgroton as well. The heater hoses look like they will be a pain - looks tight back there - can't even see the engine connections. If anybody has suggestions other than pulling the engine out I'm all ears.
Well that's about it. Sorry about the length. I think these cars are great and generally shadetree mechanic friendly. Thanks again for all the posts - they really helped.