Hi:

I think I've heard of your dealer: :Ben Dover Volvo!

Many of those things are E-Z DIY and the prices are ridiculous!

Get a used mass air flow (last 3 digits of the number on it are what you need to match it)-- go local at your boneyards, or contact a place like Erie Vovo. Think $100 or less, and a well-trained monkey could put one in-- I bet I could get my 3.5 year old girl to do it!

RPM sensor-- $50 part, a bit fiddly to access it (behind the motor on the bellhousing of the transmission).

If I could clean and adjust throttle bodies for $109 a pop, I'd quit my day job! 30 minutes, and a $0.75 gasket. E-Z DIY!

Fresh air thermostat-- $11 part, a little fiddly, but not hard. .3 hrs, worst case! This is probably why you need a mass air meter, though. Many here just disable this thermostat and block the little flapper in the airbox to fresh air all the time...

Transmission mount is $6.95 in aftermarket, really a half hour job once the car is jacked up.

Pinion seal is $8, anything more than an hour's labor is rape!

Timing belt with seals should not be more than $250.

Compressors are available online for $249. That car takes less than 2lbs of 134a, you'll want an accumulator ($45) and a new orifice valve ($5) and a bunch of o-rings and oil. NOT a good job for a Volvo dealer.

A '92 is too old for dealer service. Find a trusted local import place, preferably with Volvo experience. A good independent AC place would be the best way to get your AC rehabbed. Investing $200 in decent tools, a floor jack and some stands would really put you on the road to independence.

The timing belt isn't crucial on this car (especially if you have roadside assistance or a towing endorsement on your car insurance). The engine is non-interference, so if the belt breaks you just have it towed in and fixed-- no engine damage).

Good luck!
--
Herb Goltz, London, Ontario, Canada '92 245 w/109K mi