alright guys whats the best spark plugs for a 96 turbo. also do the 850 have cabin filters? and how difficult is the fuel filter to do on these cars. do you guys reccomend doing the flame trap at 120k miles

 

1. Bosch Platinums IMO.
2.Some have cabon filters you have to check. It is located under the Cowl on the passenger side.
3.Fuel Filter is pretty easy.
4.Only Non-turbo's have a flame trap. The turbo's have a similiar Vent system but no flame trap.

 

In addition to Tech,

1. I too like Bosch Platinum/iridium (+2 or +4 ground electrodes), but some people prefer copper plugs for turbo.

2. Follow Tech's advice.

3. If not done since the car was new, it may be a bit difficult to remove. Mine was tight so I twisted the fuel hoses while I pulled on them. They are quick disconnects that do not disconnect quickly. Try not to force-pull on them, as it can damage the hose/connection.

4. I would do a complete job on the PCV components. You'll need the intake manifold gasket too, as it has to come out to reach the PCV.

See following thread for details on tune-up.

https://volvoforums.com/m_48928/tm.htm


JPN

 

I only use OEM turbo plugs, OEM spark plug wires and distributor cap and rotor. There is a dealer in Olympia, Wa that give good deal on OEM brake and tune up parts over the internet. Here is a link to the site:

https://www.volvoparts.com/index.asp

fcpgroton is also a very good place for parts, but I have found the dealer I just gave you to have better prices on certain things.

 

well i only did a half tune-up today. I did LOF, air filter and plugs. got all of it from the local volvo dealer for $53 so I was very happy. guess it pays to work at the VW+SAAB dealer next store. i used castrol synthetic oil. well workin on the 850 I found a list of things to do. right front wheel bearing and both front axles will need replacing. coolant cap cracked. oil under spark plug cover. i have a mix of oil and coolant in the coolant resivior. does the 850 have the oil cooler in the radiator?? doesn't seem to be a head gasket prob. since all the spark plugs looked exactly the same.
how is fcp groton do the have quality parts and service. i cant believe how cheap axles are for the 850 are they decent.

1996 850 Turbo Automatic

 

Yes the 852 has a oil cooler in the Radiator.

FCP Groton is very good.

 

Send me a PM and i'll mail you a new coolant cap - I just replaced my reservoir this summer and I held on to the old cap - it appears to be in almost perfect condition. So if you could use a free cap - it's good karma for me.

Hit me up.

-Dave

 

ikes4ever,

Are you sure you have oil in the coolant. The Volvo coolant can turn very dark...
FCP is great, IPD is good too. The oil under your spark plug cover is usually due to increased PCV pressures, which are common on these cars. The PCV system needs attention more than other makes it seems. I replaced the oil cap gasket and that slows it down.
The test I've read most often in you remove the oil dipstick while it's running and if you see gas (air, steam) coming out then you've got a blockage somewhere.
I agree on using Volvo turbo plugs, never heard complaints on their durability or performance.
You can retro fit a cabin filter easily if you don't already have one- check your online suppliers.
Also I might add the transmission- it is not listed as a service item, and there is lots of discussion about if/how/ and when you should change it... but if you search enough about transmissions you'll see that people actually need to replace them. The 850 aren't known for 'bullet-proof' transmissions so take that into account as you are servicing your car and bringing it up to 'stage 0.'

Have fun and be safe.

 

yeah its defiently oil in the cooling system. has anyone else had the oil mix with the coolant due to a faulty radiator.
ive learned with transmissions if its working fine dont touch it. to many other things to worry about right now

 

Yes a few others have had oil-in-the-coolant symptom. Some traced it down to a defective radiator. When you pull out the oil dipstick, do you see a sign of coolant?

As to the gearbox, yes I would leave it if it's working fine, especially if your car has never received a fluid replacement. If it's been working with the original fluid, the introduction of fresh fluid may wash down some sludges formed by the original coolant and could block tiny hydraulic passages.

Cheers,


JPN

 

I changed my transmission fluid for the first time at 120K. I did not flush though. I just drained and refilled three times until the fluid coming out wasred instead of black. From then on I'm doing two drain and fills every 20K. I just can't see keeping the same fluid in there for 250 or 300 thousand miles, and I'm hoping that this method keeps the fluid relatively fresh.

 

Do I need to change the spark plug wires and Distributor Cap if I'm replacing the plugs?

 

What is the date on the wires?
It is written on them in either white or yellow writting.

 

Written on them in yellow writing is "95-38" - does this mean they are the original 1995 wires?

 

Yes they are original it mean teh 38th week of 1995.
I would change the dist. cap rotor and wires.

 

Tech - thanks, I will do that tomorrow.

I'm thinking about going with the Iridium plugs. Unless you think there's a better one that'll work for me. I've got a '95 850 GLT Non-turbo Wagon.

Have you had a chance to read my other post about the poor gas mileage i'm experiencing with this 850?

 

I always use Bosch Platinums.
Some people like the iridiums but I have never used them.

Yes I read the other post but get all the tune up stuff done first and see what happens from there.

 

Thanks - should i need to replace the distributor rotor as well as the cap and wires?

 

I would replace them as well. They are probably original as well.