Hi all, I'm writing in from Hong Kong.

I recently purchased a Volvo 940 GL (Auto)in a sealed bid auction from an embassy in Hong Kong. I got the car for approx US$ 500 as no one else bid for the car. It has around 70K miles on the clock and am told was serviced by Volvo dealership, however the embassy has lost the service history. I have since found out that to get parts in this part of the world are very expensive. Body work and engine are all very clean, great to drive and I feel that I got a good deal?

There is quite a loud tapping noise from the cylinder head which is constant with the Revs, it sounds like metal on metal, not sure if this is from the tappetts or from a leaking manifold gasket. There is a strong smell of fuel in the oil and the engine idle speed varies and will cut out in hot weather. The car is not doing too well in terms of fuel economy.

1. I'm no mechanic and don't have the tools to do the work myself. How can I diagnose the problem (Particularly the engine rattle)?
2. If I am going to get a mechanic to carry out repairs is there anything else that I should change at this melieage?
3. Is there any guideline that I can use in terms of costs of these parts?


Appreciate it greatly for any advice, my wife is about to have our first child and I want to get this car 100% reliable and hopefully run it for many years to come.

Cheers,

Johnny in Hong Kong