I just spent about $2,000 having a lot of work done to my 1993 240 Wagon. I hope it wasn't for naught.

$500 on parts, mostly from Eeuroparts
$300 on two new Michelin tires for front & Wheel Alignment
$1200 Labor to mechanic for installing the following:

Head Gasket Set
Motor Mounts
Timing Belt
Radiator Hoses and Clamps
Ignition and Coil Wires
Spark Plugs
Distributor Cap
Ignition Rotor
Disc Brake Service Kit (Front)
Tie Rod Ends(Both Inner & Outer)
Alternator Belt Set
Power Steering Belt
A/C Belt
Engine Air Filter

After getting the car back from my mechanic, I noticed a smell when I used the heat which did not happen before all of this work was done.

It almost smells like burnt rubber or wires but there is no smoke from the vents. It doesn't smell like radiator fluid. It's not overpowering but it's definitely very noticeable and annoying.

It's freezing here in the Northeast and I'm not using the heat because of the fumes.

Any ideas what this could be??

I'm also wondering if having the head gasket and the other gaskets replaced, if it could have anything to do with it??

I have noticed since the work's been done that when first starting the car in the morning when it's cold that the engine is now a lot rougher feeling for the first few minutes.

After spending all this money, I just hope it's nothing major.

Thank you very much.

Todd

 

check the belts to see if they are rubbing....
I have had the power steering belt and AC belt come in contact (87 240 wagon)
Timing belt stripped half way...I am stumped on the smell though...

Engine hard to start when cold:
1: battery discharged or low this might be your rough cold starts
2: fuel system malfunctioning
3: Injectors leaking this might be the case after a major gasket change...loose or pinched o rings
4: distributor carbon tracked although yours is new...scratch this off.

 

It's very interesting that this morning I went out to use our '90 240 and when I started it I could hear the blower motor increase and decrease its speed. I cranked it to full blast and I got a heavy rubber or burnt plastic smell coming out of the vents.

This happened once last week as well but the smell wasn't nearly as intense and then the fuse to the blower motor blew. I suspect that the blower motor is on its last legs. Our 240 is a spare car in the winter while my son is away at college so I am just going to leave it until the weather is a bit warmer to tear into the dash to determine the problem.

Replacement of the blower motor is a large task that is well documented here:

Volvo 240 Heater AC Blower Fan Motor Replacement

Parts aren't too expensive but unless you do the work yourself, it is a high labor item. While it is apart, it is always good to replace the resistor pack as well.

Good luck