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About two weeks ago I began to notice that my 83 240 Volvo wagon was running particularly rough when warming up, though it would smooth out after warming up. The next day, after driving it on an extended trip, however, it stalled while driving my son to school and had to be parked by the side of the road, later limped home. Having experienced a failed air mass meter about four years ago, I immediately assumed that to be the problem and replaced that component. This did not help. Only after this did I check the spark plugs, only to find them black and oily! Upon checking the oil, I found the level way up. I realize now that my rich running engine, with fouled plugs, was contaminating the motor oil with gasoline, increasing its volume. I, however, assumed that I had overfilled the oil when doing an oil change the previous week. I cleaned the plugs, drained off some of the oil and took car for test run. It runs good at high speeds, accelerating, but missed when letting off on accelerator and stalls at stop signs. These symptoms get worse the longer engine runs. I then clean the plugs and start over again.
As an aside, while changing the air mass meter, I checked the air filter, one of those "reusable" wire mesh reinforced wonder filters from IPD, only to find it choked with soot, leaking soot through to coat the elements on the air mass meter The soot had found its way into air filter by way of the preheated air hose which is attached to exhaust header.The header to manifold had an exhaust leak which was pumping sooty exhaust into the preheated intake. I fixed this and replaced the oxygen sensor, believing it to be faulty after testing it.
Regarding gas in my oil: this became obvious as oil level continued to increase. I went to drain more out and could smell gasoline. I then completely drained and replaced it, though I did not replace the filter yet.
After all of this, here is what I know: every time I clean my spark plugs(acetone first, then glass bead blaster) the engine will run smooth for a short while, then begin surging back and forth at idle. Last night, after driving into town, I immediately put a fresh set of plugs in and engine, started it warm, and it ran rough. I would greatly appreciate what ever advice anyone cares to offer. Today I am going to check the coolant temperature gauge and hopefully the fuel pressure regulator. Thanks, RDP
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