Well, I have been working on Volvo number 51 - a 1990 240 with 216K purchased at a charity auction by my sister. She was looking for cheap way to get out of her 89 740 which is falling apart at 240K.

I went through the car and did major brake work, hoses, etc. When taking the initial test drive I noticed it was very slow to take off. Much slower than my 89 240 with 175K. I had changed the trans pan gasket, fluid and filter, etc.

Engine still feels peppy at 216K. Got it up to 50 mph and it feels good - all flat ground mind you. Then I took the car on a slight incline and it got stuck. Would not engage to go up the hill. Had to back down to flat ground. Plus, I got a bit of slip to the rear wheels when it did engage. I ruled out any rear end problem. Am I correct to immediately assume a failed trans?

If so, this is the first failed aw trans I have seen in a bit. Any other tests I can use to confirm it? The shifts were fine in the limited driving I did. I had just fixed the od relay and wires. Looks like I am finding a used one and putting it in. Have about $700 in parts invested and this 240 cost 450. What's another $250 for a trans??

I am sort of surprised, but 216K out of trans is not bad - assuming this is the original. Probably why the car ended up at a goodwill charity auction!

Bob Weber
Hamilton, Ohio
51 Volvos since 1979