I am interested in buying a 1982 Volvo DL here locally from a private party with 233,000 miles for $900. Everything about the car seems immaculate except for one thing from what he tells me. The guy said the two previous "lookers" had stated that the engine will eventually need to have the head gasket replaced. I don't know how they can tell that since the gasket is obviously covered or they are saying that because of the exhaust. Or they may be yanking his chain just to get him to go down on the price. In either case, is it difficult to replace a head gasket on this year of Volvo or should I just pass it up and look for something else? I don't want to waste my money on something that is eventually going to die and cost tons of money to get fixed.

I love Volvo's and I have always had Volvo's growing up as a kid and had one as my first car, a 240 DL . Now I want to own one again. They are neat cars.

Thanks for your replies!

 

By that logic ALL cars will need everything eventually... A head gasket is easy to diagnose and is an easy repair on a 4 cyl Volvo. If this car is otherwise "immaculate", I'd get it.

 

I love 240's as well and purchased an 86 wagon not so long ago...the heads had a hole...replaced along with the gasket...it was not hard really...my 240 was butt ugly when I got it but I decided to fix her up...it has new yellow injector and much more but it has a couple of issues with the evap system...I got to replace the cat converter and old fuel lines to pass smog...my wife and co-workers think I am crazy...what do they know..I think it will take you about a good 6 hours with all that you need in hand

gasket
ALL THE RIGHT SOCKETS
gloves and more gloves...I jacked up my seats with grease...
Obiously do the timing...change the timing belt as well...

 

The Volvo 240 really is a good car, based off personal experiance. So I'll suggest that someone leaning towards getting one do it - unless the car has rust issues. Or it looks like its been under water for awhile.

 

I got the guy to go down to $550.00. It was just a bad seal on the oil cap. Now I have a little project car .

Any good sites that sell OEM Volvo parts?

 

Sweet deal! Another 240 rescued and on the road..... A lot of us use this site for our parts. Inexpensive and quick to ship too! http://www.fcpgroton.com/
Congrats on the Acquisition. Post pics. of the 240 when you get a chance

 

I will be parting with my 86 240 wagon...it did not pass smog and I want to finish my 94 850T soon...I will be purchasing a 240 though....EVEN if I win a ton of money...I will start a Volvo rehabilitation program....and still drive a 240


WHY CAN'T THE AUTO MAKER BRING BACK THE ORIGINAL STYLE OF VOLVO'S DAM IT...MAYBE NOT TO THE DETAIL BUT KEEP THE BRICK LOOK UP TO 70%...well my mom will finish my 240 project for herself any who...keep it in the family huh?...

best wishes

 

Lets see some pics of the ride man....

 

Pics! Isn't she a beauty?

 

That's a hell of a deal on a 5 speed wagon! Def looks good, has tons of potential as a project too....Treat her kind!

 

yeah man treat her right...I got rust to work on...yours looks petty good...BE FAITHFUL TO HER MAN..."IT'S CHEAPER TO KEEP HER".

 

What is the little button on top of the gear shifter? Is that over drive or something for a manual 4-speed? I've never owned a manual Volvo.

 

what the hell?????????????? an overdrive button on a stick? I've never seen one on a stick...I used to valet cars from lambos to odd ball yugo's and don't recall a od button on the stick shift...hey if you have it cool...

 

Ha ha! Neither have I but it is a button and it has to do something? Afterall, it is getting rather crappy MPG as of now because it runs at high RPM on the highway. There has to be another gear! I will post a pic soon.

 

ejection seat?

 

YES, it must be James Bond approved...ejector seat you say?...why yes, it's a must darling...

 

karajan-Nice wagon! For the money you saved I'd treat her to a paint job! Maybe a new seat...How are the tires? Dave

 

Yes, the "ejection seat button " on the gear shift is the 5th gear/overdrive. My 85 had that. That is known to go out so be careful with it....If it doesn't work, then I would assume your overdrive solenoid went out and needs to be replaced.http://www.fcpgroton.com/product-exe...ategory_id/208 OR the button it self went south http://www.fcpgroton.com/product-exe...ategory_id/208 There is also a OD switch on the transmission housing that could also fail http://www.fcpgroton.com/product-exe...ategory_id/208 Good Luck with the search.............