Hi folks,

Long time Volvo owner (XC-70, 850 and S70 T5) and shade tree mechanic (over 40 years of wrenching). Anyway, here is a long story as short as I can make it. A single mom friend of ours has two boys that are going to start driving in about 2 years. A friend of hers is willing to sell her a 1992 240 DL for $400 that has been sitting more or less for the last couple years. I know nothing about the car except that in her words "needs some TLC". She would like to buy the car and have me do all the work to get it to be a safe and reasonably reliable car for her boys to drive, The main issues she saw on looking at it is that it needs a good cleaning, and needs new headlight assemblies (the old ones are yellow and foggy). The big problem and the reason it was parked is that it will start and run for about 5-10 minutes and then dies. After a few minutes it will eventually start and run for a few minutes and then die again.

IF she buys it and IF (two big if's) I agree to work on it I would basically go over it from top to bottom. Full tune up, change all fluids, new brakes, new tires, check all body seals for leaks, etc. Anything that looks questionable would be repaired or replaced.

Here is my questions: based on what I know, would you go for it or walk away. And, what do you think might cause it to run and then die after a few minutes....I'm thinking weak coil, clogged fuel filter, bad fuel pump..... Never worked on a 240 before, but I figure if I can keep 1995 850, 1998 S70 and 2001 XC 70 running for over 250K each, it should not be too hard.

Thanks for any advice and opinions.

 

As a current owner of an '81 240 since '86, I can identify with your feelings for Volvo. You've had a good time. Now buy the kids a nice Japanese car and live happily the rest of your life. Routine maintenance is not going to make it for a 40+ car. Volvo 240s are nothing like your cars. Their technology is ancient and was changed every year. Virtually no one understands it any more and Volvo does not support their old models. Hell, Volvo isn't even Volvo any more. 240 plastic parts and electrical insulation was biodegradable, the cars are now seldom found in junk yards, and they are thoroughly stripped. Are you beginning to see your possible future. Best wishes.

 

If you can maintain the White Blocks you mention, you will enjoy and appreciate the simplicity, durability, (and superiority) of the 240's Red Block. Mechanical parts are plentiful, the hardware and body parts are widely available used and aftermarket.

 

Thank you!!