Ok, just bought a 1996 850 Turbo wagon off a guy. Has about 196k miles on it. Seems to run pretty damn well. However, few things I noticed in the car. 1st off the odometer is broken. I know how to fix that, and I will get around to that ASAP. 2nd the sunroof seems to have a problem. It opens fine, but I constantly have to push the sunroof button (like every quarter of a second) just to get it to close. If I hold the button it will just go for a little bit, and then go all the way back. Kinda sucked to find that out in the middle of winter. Also, he said the mileage was down to about 18MPG. Something about a purge something in the evap sensor? He seemed to really forget what it was, too. Also, a minor oil leak. Nothing horrible, but after it sitting for 7 hours I noticed about 8 drops. I'm going to get my uncle (mechanic) to look at it. Any problem areas I should know about? I'm really looking to invest in this car, and make it run foreverrrrr. So give me all sorts of good tips about what I should look out for at this many miles! Like what kind of oil to use, parts to replace, etc.. etc..

 

General Servicing info:
https://volvoforums.com/m_48928/tm.htm

Vendors we often use:
http://www.fcpgroton.com/volvo.htm#850
http://www.eeuroparts.com/home.aspx

The oil leak is either the turbo charger oil return line, oil cooler returnhose,or due to PCV system in need of servicing. With the age of 850s, I would just replace the entire system as a kit. You will need a new intake manifold gasket for this procedure. Some people are not into replacing the entire kit, but I personally recommend it because if you put in a new kit, you won't have to worry about not having done a complete job, and once a new kit is in, the system would go for a while. It is up to you but I myself would just replace the system as a kit.

Try to go with OEM parts as much as possible. Also, as to oil, I personally use full-synthetic 10W-30 for turbo, but 5W30 may be used in extremely frigid regions. The owners manual, however, states not to use 5W-30. Oil & fuel selection is mostly based on personal preference rather than scientific facts. See what other members would say.

And BE SURE to have the timing belt & pulleys & hydraulic tensioner replaced, if they were not done in the last 70,000 miles or 5 years.

JPN

 

I guess I missed it, but could you specify what you mean by "entire system"?

Also, does anyone have any idea what's up with my sunroof?

 

I think he was referring to the PCV system. It is possible to change just some components of the PCV system and cleaning the rest. I did that with my 850 and now 2 months later it is clogged and the mpg is really bad again.

 

It is likely something jamming it up on the tracks. It really isn't that tough to remove the roof to inspect the track and lubricate the mechanism.

If you can get the sunroof up to the vent position there is a piece of plastic trim that snaps out to give you access to the Torx screws. You should only remove the two screws that are nearest the front of the car on each side, leave the rear screw in place. Once the screws are removed the roof just lifts off and you can then run the frame back and forth to see what is going on with it.

I tired to post a couple of pictures but I still can't figure that one out: Here is a link to a writeup I did dealing with a droopy sunshade but it has all of the stuff that you need to get the roof off.

http://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/cha...?p=30393#30393

...Lee

 

How much would it cost to replace the PCV system?

 

By yourself or at a shop? Parts in total is around 120-130.

 

http://www.fcpgroton.com/volvo850oiltrapturbo.htm

Check the model year & engine serial #. FCP Groton's kit seems to include the intake manifold gasket.


JPN