The message to which you are about to reply is shown first. GO TO REPLY FORM



 VIEW    REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

1981 GL (2.1L AT) newly purchased. help with issues? 200 1981

Hi All,

After 5 years between vehicles I find myself back in the Volvo game. Despite knowing there were some issues with this particular one, I couldn't resist purchasing it for the price and overall condition. I plan on taking it to a Volvo mechanic and putting some money into it, but don't want to get taken for too much. I thought I'd come here to consult all you hobbyists before I walk blindly into a shop. Below are the various nuances of this vehicle.

1.There is a minor, but noticeable shuddering/shaking when the engine has to work up a hill or from a dead start. I'm thinking engine mounts on this? The one I checked looked original, so I imagine they all need replacing.

2.There is a knocking or clunking sound in the driver's side front wheel well during various maneuvers. I think both front and rear suspension need a bit of an overhaul (everything feels a bit loose and bouncy over bumps), but not positive on what specifically to expect here if I go into a mechanic and tell them, "My suspension needs work." Do I likely just need the rubber parts replaced? i.e. inner/outer track rod ends, control arm bushings...anything else?

3.On the freeway it's hitting about 4000rpm for 65mph. I know it's just a 3-speed transmission, but I hate to make such an old engine work that hard. Anything to be done here?

4.At high speed 55+ there is a vibrating noise. Sounds like it's coming from the windshield on the passenger side. Almost like something is knocking against it. No ideas here.

5.Idle will sometimes fluctuate. There's a slight up and down cycle that completes every 1-2 seconds, with the lowest end feeling almost too low (almost sputters).

6.The previous owner said there is minor oil leakage, but it must be pretty minor because I haven't seen any on the ground yet. Still, worth having the PCV system looked at?

7.Front passenger power window doesn't go down from either control switch up front(previous owner said he had better luck in warm weather). Does this likely need both contacts cleaned as I've seen on a few other posts? Looks pretty simple...

8.Passenger side automatic door lock does not work. No ideas on this one.

Thanks for taking the time to read, and for any replies. I really appreciate it!







USERNAME
Use "claim to be" below if you don't want to log in.
PASSWORD
I don't have an account. Sign me up.
CLAIM TO BE
Use only if you don't want to login (post anonymously).
ENTER CAPTCHA CODE
This is required for posting anonymously.
OPTIONS notify by email
Available only to user accounts.
SUBJECT
MODEL/YEAR
MESSAGE

DICTIONARY
LABEL(S) +
IMAGE URL *
[IMAGE LIBRARY (UPLOAD/SELECT)]

* = Field is optional.

+ = Enter space delimited labels for this post. An example entry: 240 muffler


©Jarrod Stenberg 1997-2022. All material except where indicated.


All participants agree to these terms.

Brickboard.com is not affiliated with nor sponsored by AB Volvo, Volvo Car Corporation, Volvo Cars of North America, Inc. or Ford Motor Company. Brickboard.com is a Volvo owner/enthusiast site, similar to a club, and does not intend to pose as an official Volvo site. The official Volvo site can be found here.