240 General: What other "how to" articles would you like

[CTCNetwork]

Hi,

I see a Mike Brace: Volvo Maintenance for Beginners on the horizon!!
Excellent offer Mike...

I wouldn't mind seeing some engine maintenance stuff. Like throttle body or exhaust manifold removal.
I know it is fairly easy, but can be a little daunting when you're not so sure..
I will likely be including a few bits in my 240GLT Project topic, but this will be in the future..

Des. . .

[Mike_Brace]

Originally Posted by sml

As a newbie DIY mechanic, my vote would be to start with the most common maintenance procedures and work down the list. So the kick-off would the oil change, oil filter, spark plugs, air filter type stuff

You seem to be saying whatg I have been thinking. I will try and get underway with some of these type of items and try to make it as basic as I can including where I feel it appropriate pictures of tools needed and sizes etc and try not to make any asumption on knowledge.

That's a fantastic offer Mike, and we all owe you many thanks for your hard work and attention to detail.

A job with an evil reputation is extracting and replacing the heater radiator. It's about the only job I have never had to do - so far!
I'd be interested to see a comparison between the "proper" way, and the "chainsaw" method of gaining access.

this one is likely to be quite bit down the line but there is a heater in need of attention on the fleet so who knows?

I am very impressed so far by what I am reading. I am new too this site. Hoping that your expertise includes the old 445. Fingers are crossed!
Heish

Have some experience on pvs as well - if you need anything specific I will try to help but pictures might not be so easy although there is a 444 tucked away under a sheet.


Mike

[Andrew (UK)]

Hi Mike,

What a generous offer.

Changing a tie rod (not just the outer end) is one job that is never covered in the manuals.
Also changing the wiring looms in the estate door hinges is a job often asked about.
Adjusting the handbrake (replacing a cable?) is another one that comes to mind.
Checking and replacing the fuel pump relay.
Changing front wheel bearings is one I have most problems with.
I could go on but I better stop there.

If I ever get around to making the central locking work from both front doors then I'll try and take some photos and post here as well.

Andrew

[radiomark]

what about the dreaded flame trap and breather system

[Mike_Brace]

Originally Posted by Andrew (UK)

Hi Mike,

What a generous offer.

Changing a tie rod (not just the outer end) is one job that is never covered in the manuals.
Also changing the wiring looms in the estate door hinges is a job often asked about.
Adjusting the handbrake (replacing a cable?) is another one that comes to mind.
Checking and replacing the fuel pump relay.
Changing front wheel bearings is one I have most problems with.
I could go on but I better stop there.

If I ever get around to making the central locking work from both front doors then I'll try and take some photos and post here as well.

Andrew

Thanks for the suggestions:

Changing tie rod - unfortunately this is one we never do - have always worked on the principle that once there is wear in rack it is better to go for reconditioned rack where everything that needs replacing is replaced and it comes with warranty. Timewise for us it would be more economic to go this route if undertaking the job for someone. I do understand why some people will go down the route of replacing a worn tie rod though.
If I get a chance though down the line I will try and show an old rack being dismantled reassembled. if a get a spare hour in due course I'll see what can be done.
Rear tailgate loom - good idea don't have one in the pipe line at present but may be able to show removal of tailgate and repairing loom using one of our scrappers - again will need to find time.
Adjusting handbrake - mine needs doing before MOT so will do so -replacement shots might take a little longer.
Fuel pump relay - shopuld be able to do that one soon.
Front wheel bearings - try to find a scrap strut to show how its done.

what about the dreaded flame trap and breather system

Should cover this very soon in basic servicing


My current intentions are to cover over the next few days:

Basic tools required for basic maintenance on your 240
How to safely jack and support your 240
Oil change
Air filter change
Fuel filter change
Engine electrics
Flame trap and breather system
Checking adjusting and replacement of drive belts
Fuel pump relay
Fusebox checking cleaning etc

I'll the probably follow on with other ones as I come to do things on a car.

If anyone has a job coming up that they would like some guidance on if I am given reasonable notice I will TRY and do something for them.

Mike

[RealEstate]

Originally Posted by Mike_Brace

My current intentions are to cover over the next few days:
Basic tools required for basic maintenance on your 240
How to safely jack and support your 240
Oil change
Air filter change
Fuel filter change
Engine electrics - YES PLEASE (Ben)
Flame trap and breather system - YES PLEASE (Ben)
Checking adjusting and replacement of drive belts
Fuel pump relay
Fusebox checking cleaning etc - YES PLEASE (Ben)

I'll the probably follow on with other ones as I come to do things on a car.

If anyone has a job coming up that they would like some guidance on if I am given reasonable notice I will TRY and do something for them.

Mike

Mike,
Your 'how to' posts are great - very useful.
I'm wondering if there's scope for structuring your posts like the 700/900 FAQ? So your posts can serve as a companion volume or even be x-ref'd. There's alot of useful material in the FAQ but maybe you can suggest different/better ways of doing things? I'm not sure how actively the 700/900 FAQ is being maintained?
Thanks for all your hard work.
Ben

[cywprof]

Originally Posted by John Tancredi

You thought of just writing a book...!?!? All the best, John

Sounds like you are offering to be an editor!
Can be a rewarding task!
Bill

[cywprof]

Originally Posted by CTCNetwork

Hi,

I see a Mike Brace: Volvo Maintenance for Beginners on the horizon!!
Excellent offer Mike...

I wouldn't mind seeing some engine maintenance stuff. Like throttle body or exhaust manifold removal.
I know it is fairly easy, but can be a little daunting when you're not so sure..
I will likely be including a few bits in my 240GLT Project topic, but this will be in the future..

Des. . .

Looks like sufficient audience out there for a book!
Good way to test drive one,
Many readers of this forum offer excellent feedback and that might assist the author in his articles becoming published as required reading for the Volvophile.
Bill

[cywprof]

Originally Posted by John Tancredi

You thought of just writing a book...!?!? All the best, John

Good thought
Bill

[John Tancredi]

Originally Posted by cywprof

Sounds like you are offering to be an editor!
Can be a rewarding task!
Bill

Hi Bill, good to hear from you... It would be a very rewarding task... except that I wouldn't trust my understanding of the technical fine points! Last year I helped a local journalist who was writing a book on the NZ assembly of the Fiat 500... that was great... it was being published in a bilingual edition (English/Italian) and I helped with the Italian translation... (I actually used to work in publishing in the UK - Longman... now called Pearson Education!)

Right now I'm involved with a few enthusiasts who are trying to set up a special "Citroen DS/ID Group", separate from the ordinary Citroen Club... Would be great if it comes off... All the best, John.