Long post, bear with me--

My '89 745GL (133,000mi) and I just moved from Vermont to Colorado. While on the way over we got stranded twice in Nebraska & eastern CO, with a problem diagnosed as vapor lock due to gas w/ethanol. A can of this gas additive called 44k got us going again, but then two weeks later the car died again, and this time it turned out to be the in-tank pump. Took it to Carl Duke Volvo in Fort Collins (GREAT shop) and was told that the main pump was probably okay, despite the buzzing noises it had been making before the in-tank pump was replaced. the in-tank pump was replaced with a special heavy-duty 6psi model for higher altitudes (we're at about 5000' here in Ft. C.). It's been fine ever since (about 500mi).

So, my questions are: should I plan on getting the main pump replaced soon or should the newer beefier in-tank pump keep it from failing? And, do I gain anything from running 91 octane gas instead of 87? The car lived most of its life in San Diego, Pennsylvania, and Vermont & I want to make sure it "adjusts" to mountain life. Thanks all!

jeff daigle
'89 745GL 133,000mi