There are a few tools that I've picked up along the way that have been worth their weight in gold. The Motive Power Bleeder ($50), the crankshaft pulley counterhold tool ($50), and the homemade #5280 test light ($4) are all special tools that have paid for themselves many times over. Between my own Volvos and my dozen or so friends that have them who work on them at my house, they see regular use. (now I just need to start saving for a used Hunter alignment rack and a full vehicle H-hoist)

The Power Bleeder makes flushing the brake fluid a breeze, and I shudder to think of the old days (a few years ago) when I would use a hand held vacuum pump and a brake bleeding canister. Few people actually flush their brake fluid every two years like they're supposed to (since the brake fluid accumulates water which causes corrosion), but with the power bleeder it's effortless. It takes maybe an extra 10 or 15 minutes when combined with another operation, like changing the snow tires to the summer driving tires or changing the brake pads. This tool alone can make you quite popular with your friends who own European vehicles as the brake fluid cap is a standard size for Euro manufacturers.

To change the Timing Belts on '85-'95 B230 & B200 engines, you are required to remove the crankshaft accessory belt pulley (aka Harmonic Balancer). Aside from the regular tools in your tool box, you'll need: 24mm deep socket, breaker bar, and the Volvo counterhold tool (about $50 from FCP Groton or IPD).

The #5280 test light is actually not much more than a Diode, a Resistor, and a case to protect it. This light is used for a few troubleshooting operations such as getting the trouble codes from the EZK 115, 116, 117 ignition systems, assessing fuel mixture on LH-2.2 engines, and a few other operations like fine tuning a 007 AMM after installing a new Oxygen Sensor, etc.

Aside from the usual sockets, wrenches, screwdrivers that I keep in my car, I ususally have a small assortment of spare bolts, a few feet of vacuum hose, a spare Main Fuel System relay (white), Radio Supression Relay (black), and usually a spare AMM too. Just the basics go with me on the road, the counterhold tool, the power bleeder, and my "heavy hardware" tools stay in the garage at home (or in someone else's home when they're loaned out).

God bless,
Fitz Fitzgerald.
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'87 Blue 240 Wagon, 275k miles.