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Or maybe snatched from my incompetence. Lat week as my teeenage daughter was driving, the oil pressure light came on and Bob began to overheat. She drove the car a couple of miles then called me. I feared the worst. Fortunately, the Swedish Brick gods were smiling (or laughing) and the problem was a leak at the upper seal on the water pump. I had difficulty getting it installed (those who've done it know what I mean). When I pried up on it to get the bolts in, it wasn't seated against the block and I apparently cut the seal. For some reason it chose not to leak for 2 days. The leak dribbled coolant onto the oil sender wiring, shorting it to ground and caused the oil pressure light to come on. I followed my daughter home as it slowly leaked out and fortunately, the car never overheated. After a new seal and a repair of the wiring, we drove for 50 miles to test everything and had no problems. Sponge Bob is saved!
However, there's a cloud on the horizon. Rumblings have been heard from the SO concerning reliabiity and Bob's fate is not certain, though I tried to blame myself for all the problems (except the somewhat embarrasing episode at the Maryland Emission Testing Station) To that end, he could be for sale if I can't convince She Who Must Be Obeyed that all is well. What I need to know is Bob's value (mechanical, not spiritual) from the experts. Here are the particulars:
84 GL. Auto, PW, PDL, sunroof, AC, original radio. Body is great - no rust. I bought Bob from a longtime owner and she loved him. He was painted Volvo deep blue in 98 and looks great. The inside is cloth and looks great. Has 189k. New water pump (with slightly newer seal!), catalytic converter, radiator, and belts. New O2 sensor. Should be passing (fingers crossed) Maryland emissions this week. Was MD inspected (Marylanders will back me up when I say this is a thorough inspection and a royal PITA). At that time got new rear tires, steering boots, alignment (which seems to be needed again). Plus I spent a fortune getting the beautiful dark tinting off that is not allowed in MD but was in Florida.
Burns no oil. Runs strong. Transmission works great - no leaks
The car runs great, but has what I guess are the usual 240 issues. Starts a little hard occaisinally when cold (but always starts). PS pump or box (?) leaks. Slight shimmy at 55 mph. Brakes are good, but shudders a little, so might need rotors in a while. A few electrical gremlins.
The more I write the more I want to keep him. Maybe I can convince the powers that he is well and reliable again, If not, what is he worth?
And, stay tuned for the continuing saga of " As the Emissions Testing Debacle Turns"
Also, thanks for all the help last week with this problem. As usual, you guys were right.
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