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Hi Erik:
There are a few of us, on the Brickboard, that own Turbo Diesels. I own a mint 1983 760 GLE TD like yours. There are some real knowledgeable people here. I'm sure they'll give you a shout. I'm doing my maintenance myself and haven't found it too hard. I learned from this board and the Green Book.
Here's my two cents:
(1)- Special tools are required to work on this engine. Invest in them, they are a must. One of the first things you need to do, without question, is CHANGE THOSE TIMING BELTS. If an old lady had it in storage for a while, guaranteed, they haven't been changed in a while. When the front one breaks, BYE BYE engine. I bought tools from ZDMAK, on the internet, and made some. Around 6 special tools are needed just to change the timing belts and time the engine. Don't skimp here, invest in those tools or make them. I don't think there are many mechanics out there with the tools anymore, except Volvo.
2- Replace the Water Pump & Idler Pulley when doing the belts. They run off the front Timing Belt.
3- Invest in the Volvo "Green Book" for the D24T (Turbo Diesel). The chiltons manual for the 700 series has some diesel info too but is kind of sketchy.
4- Change your oil often. At least every 3000 miles. Use a quality Oil Filter, made specifically for the D24. Like a MANN.
5- Use the FAQ's on this board and swedishbricks.com. They have alot of useful information.
Now for the car:
This is one of the nicest cars I've ever owned. Even at 20+ years old it amazes me. It's absolutely straight down the road and handles like a dream. The diesel engine is incredibly smooth and quite responsive. And it starts every time, even in the cold. Like any volvo, if you take care of it, you should have it for quite a while.
Some of the things I don't like are:
Drooping Headliner, my diesel is ok but it's coming down in my wagon. This is a 700 series thing though, they all do it.
The engine wiring harness has a problem on this vintage volvo. It's bio-degradeable and likes to shed it's insulation, so check it out. The diesel harness is alot simpler than the gas and I was able to repair it.
Brittle plastic interior pieces (Another 700 seies thing). You'll be fiddling with something and it will break. Thank god it's only cosmetic pieces. Nothing to do with the controls.
Cracked dashboards, mine's cracked in 3 places. So what, just ugly, they make a cover for it if it bothers you.
My wife doesn't like the diesel smell or the diesel clatter. But I do and I tell her it's mine. Seriously; it's not that bad for a diesel, I've seen worse.
Finally:
Parts aren't that expensive if you buy from the internet. There are many sites out there that sell Diesel Parts. Volvo prices are out of sight. Buy from them only if you must.
Good luck with your new (old) Turbo Diesel. I love mine!!
Warren
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