[email protected] wrote:
This sounds like a list by someone who wears a belt and suspenders and
is still afraid to stand up for fear their pants will fall down.
Drain and replace antifreeze; replace thermostat.
I have never done this on any of my Volvos except where listed in
routine maintenance (never, except if discolored). An old thermostat
may last longer than a new one.
Power flush / replace transmission fluid and filter.
I have never done this on any of my Volvos except where listed in
routine maintenance (every 32,000 km).
Drain and replace gear oil in rear end.
I have never done this on any of my Volvos except where listed in
routine maintenance, it seldom is.
Drain and replace power steering fluid and brake fluid.
I have never done this on any of my Volvos except where listed in
routine maintenance (never, except if discolored, or brakes get spongy).
Check condition of U-joints.
They usually are very cooperative and provide noise on acceleration or
deceleration when they go bad. Don't ignore such warnings. It is bad
news if a U-joint comes apart while driving.
Tune up with new wires, cap and rotor.
Not necessary if you are not having problems.
This is important, especially if you use Cruise Control. What happens
is that if the throttle body gets crudy the throttle can stick in the on
position. A very bad thing.
Don't forget routine replacement of filters and plugs.
Routinely check seals for leakage. I do this by checking my garage
floor. If I see one drop, I get it fixed.
Check and grease inner and outer wheel bearings.
Check condition of front and rear suspension, especially struts and
shocks.
As for replacement part possibilities, be prepared to replace a fuel
pump relay, in-tank fuel pump, and main fuel pump.
Water pump will fail eventually, as may the alternator.
Electrical gremlins may lead to replacing a failed engine wiring
harness.
This is seldom necessary on old Volvos. On the models involved with bad
connectors, the problem usually surfaced early and was replaced by the
first owner. I personally have never had this problem.
If you don't have an owners manual, the USA edition is at:
http://new.volvocars.com/ownersdocs/1987/1987_240/87240_00.htm
It lists the maintenance schedule on page 54. The major services are at
multiples of 48,000 km (valve clearance, air filter, spark plugs) and
80,000 km (timing gear belt). The routine maintenance is at multiples
of 8,000 km (check throttle body, engine mounts, hoses, belts and fluid
levels, and change oil and oil filter).
If you go to
www.volvocars.com they may have the manual for your model.
I have had 10 Volvos and all served me very well for over 120,000 miles
and the newer ones for over 180,000 miles (288,000 kms). I sold each
one and it looked and drove just like it was new.
. Keep getting your routine work like oil changes done by the