I just picked up a 1994 960 wagon with approx. 170K on odometer. My first 960. Well cared for by previous owner. Timing belt was replaced 35K miles ago. I've read either here or on another V forum that synthetic oil will increase longevity. True or a waste of money? Should I use premium gas? What about Techron additive. Any opinions?

 

modern engines with computer controlled timing and knock sensors run fine on regular grade. Synthetic oil has the advantage of being more slippery and able to keep viscosity over a wider range of temps but can also slide past old seals. Newer engines are designed to tighter tolerances and oil driven parts like the VVTs so synthetic oil is highly recommended - older engines not so much. If you decide to go synthetic, consider using a high mileage blend with seal softeners first then transition. I have a 95 850T and use standard oil where I change every 5000 or twice a year at a minimum but run synthetic in my '00 s40. Gas tank additives like Techron are detergents which can remove some deposits on injectors or may have alcohol to remove water from the tank. Can't hurt once in a while in my opinion but not a silver bullet and its likely you wouldn't notice any difference.

 

Synthetic oil definitely does increase longevity. I use Mobil 1 0W40 because it exceeds what Volvo considers max range for its cars (5W30) and because I can often get it 20% cheaper than say Mobil 1 5W30. Hared to believe but true, especially at Walmart.

Techron is a good thing, but not necessary very often, maybe one container every 25,000 miles. I used to do that on the 25,000 mile marks.

More important is to keep your fuel filter changed and use reputable gas.

Also-- chgeck your other lube fluids, such as AT and power steering. Unfortunately Volvo does not have a filter for the PS pump, like Benz, which is why their pumps never die.

Also good to change your brake fluid every 2 years or so. Not that expensive and gets an amazing amount of crud out of the system.

Plus check your boots and other grease points. Rinsing mud and salt off them does actually help stopp rot and shows you where the cracks are before a disaster happens.

Good luck!

These are great cars except for the finicky electrical.

I am periodically tempted to put a mercedes 3.0 liter diesel into the 960 every time I have a problem with the electrical....l

 

Merc diesel? nah, the engine swap to do on the 7/900s is to drop a small block ford V8 into the car. At one point a shop in Maine was selling swap kits - not sure if they are still in the business but I had the chance to see one up close at Volvo of Westport (car belonged to Paul Newman - at least that's what the techs were saying). Kind of cool to see a wagon with a rumble...

 

The name "premium" gas is misleading.

There is nothing premium or super about that gas, there is no more cleaning additive in the gas neither. It is HARDER to ignite than regular gas, that is it. Good for turbo/supercharged/high compression engines, and nothing else. Unless your owner manual says you need it, use regular gas.

 

Paul Newman's garage boys built 2 of those SBF powered 960 wagons. Supposedly Dave Letterman has one.

The Ford-Powered Volvo Wagon Paul Newman Built

 

I have been doing a lot of highway runs where we burn a tank of fuel without stopping.

Fuel consumption increases (lower MPG) when we use 87.

We notice no fuel consumption difference between 89-93, so we buy the mid-grade.

The fuel dispensers that we use mix 87 and 93 to dispense mid-grade.

If you don't buy from the 'top tier gas' names then use Techron once in a while.

I use Rotella T5 10W30, it is the volvo recommended weight, and I like how the additives for diesel engines work in this motor. My last oil analysis showed metal content so low that the lab said it was remarkable.

I feel like I have taken apart a ton of used W917 filters now. I think these filters are good for 15k miles max based on the media loads I have seen. The motor has a 6 quart sump so a 10k interval is more appropriate. I did it around 5k last time because I think we did too many short trips during the winter. At any rate I do not see the benefit of more expensive oil since it will probably be drained before it is worn out. I also don't think a conventional (non "synthetic") is appropriate for this engine.