Hi, apparently the mechanic servicing my car for the last 4 years charged me for tune-ups and oil changes but never did them...

Now the car is at an Import Auto place with Volvo-loving mechanics who have great reputations. They got it cleaned up pretty good, replaced all tune-up parts and a few other parts, fuel pump and filter, etc.

They say it now runs great -for exactly 30 minutes. Then it starts losing power. They think it's the computer... I wasn't aware a 1990 240 even had a computer! They are trying to find a used one that works to test this. They are a bit stumped but enthusiastic about finding a solution.

I am not at all mechanically adept or motivated but I do love my Volvo... does this sound at all familiar to any of the experts here? I'd really like to be a bit more up to speed on the possibilities.

 

They could trywarming the computer with a hair dryer when its cold and see if that prompts the failure if its heat related.

I'm no mechanic , paying specialists is out of my range so I have to do it all myself or it doesn't get done.

You can find a replacement computer on ebay, theres loads them floating around.

If it cut out after 30 minutes I'd agree to the computer but losing just power I dunno, I had this problem in a ford van, the computer would cut the engine out, then after 2 minutes it reset and was good to go for the day.
It could be a failing sensor feeding bum information to the computer too.

 

Thank you, that sounds like a good place to look. They tried a spare computer, it didn't help but they aren't sure whether it was a good one. Is there a way to test these computers -I'd want to know if I bought a good one on eBay.

Your post reminded me that when I lived in Wilmington, NC the electrical system would shut down completely if the temperature was near 100 degrees, now that I'm near the Mountains -the temps have not been so intense. Now, I wonder if a temp sensor was going bad all along... I will call the mechanic on Monday and run this by them. Thanks!

 

Well, I am finally getting my baby back from the garage! It is supposedly running perfectly and I have a long list of what was wrong. It seems several problems were masking others and it was a real challenge for the mechanics.

When I get the receipt I will post the list, in hopes it will help direct someone else in the right direction.

Woo Hoo!

 

Cris, Happy you got your baby back! Would love to see the list when you can post. Have fun driving your baby this weekend.

 

Well, life is good again! My Volvo hasn't run since August, during that time we adopted 2 siberian huskies... the volvo was the only thing in our lives without a covering of white hair LOL. They were thrilled to take a ride in it last night.

It runs great, still a few minor issues but it runs and has good power! I actually drove up a large hill and did not feel the urge to use my feet like in the Flintstones! LOL

Every tune-up part was replaced (not sure what that involves)
New Distributor cap
New rotor
New TGN wire set
4 New spark plugs
1 Mass Air Sensor
New Timing Belt
Timing Belt Tensioner
2 cans throttle cleaner

It made a loud squealing noise when I started it today but that is an old friend, not sure what it is but it's always done it... I guess this is just the beginning of the road to full 240DL Health

-cris