Helped a friend select a new, used 1998 V70 XC with about 204k miles. The car is in exceptional physical condition but being new to the brand, I do have some questions. Each of the following comes with an "Is this normal?" assumed:


1) Vehicle idles smoothly at about 700 rpm and wants to speed up to around 900 rpm when in gear.


2) Engine seems a bit agrarian at speed. It seems to perform well, but feels like it's missing on one cylinder.


3) There is a tinny engine compartment rattle near the passenger foot well. Simple fix?


Thanks in advance.


Bob
Liberty MO

 

1. Not sure about the lumpy idle. Does the car have Volvo brand spark plugs? Aftermarket plugs can cause issues.

2. The engine is indeed missing one cylinder! An inline six is the ideal configuration, the five cylinder will always be a bit coarse. Bad engine mounts will cause additional vibration - check the top mount, next to the master cylinder, first.

3. The tinny rattle could be the heat shield for the catalytic converter. A spot of weld usually stops the rattle - you might try JB Weld for a quick DIY solution.