Where to Begin ???

[TonyEssex]

Hello Forum,

Well I am now the proud owner of a Volvo S80 2.4 Petrol 2003.

I have finally got my hands on a half decent motor mileage is around 180k but in fairly ok nick, clean and drives smooth.

I'm not a mechanic but if I get my hands on a manual I like to have ago at repairs and servicing.

I have made a decision to make this a project but where to begin? where to move onto ? and where to finish ?

Can anyone please give me some guidance that would assist me in my new project.

Many Thanks

[tphilly]

What's the history? Is it manual or auto? Time for a service?

[savabill]

It should be ready for its 2nd cam belt (if not already on it).

[Georgeandkira]

Hello, You can conclude a part or two in the suspension has been renewed. I trust "drives smooth" means no wandering on straightaways, no rattles going over bumps and no shaking of any kind. That's good.

Are the tires worn evenly?

Look at the shocks and struts. A big car like a S80 or V70 can ride OK with worn, leaking shock components.

Examine the brakes INCLUDING THE PARKING BRAKES. Removal of the rear rotors is required for this inspection BUT IS FUNDAMENTALLY NECESSARY.
If the parking brake shoes are worn or cracking away it is recommended by many to replace with Volvo ones and buy the adjuster hardware to replace the standard spreader bar.

If nothing else, get her warm and withdraw the dipstick. Stretch a balloon over the dipstick tube and let the engine idle. If the balloon expands you have a PVC issue.

At idle apply the brakes and put it in gear or D. Have someone watch the engine to see if it rocks when taken out of gear or put into R.

In the absence of records you will overlap some maintenance but that won't kill you.

Give the fuel filter a squint. If it looks ancient, it is. Change it. Spray a bit of penetrant on the fittings while you're down there. It can soak in whilst you fetch a filter.
The disconnects can work flawlessly or fight you in the name of rust and dirt.

I'm changing the hoses on my '02 as it has 184,000 miles and nowhere will anyone even suggest a lifespan for them.
It's nice to be told that hoses are an improved product.
I'm going on the gut feeling that 12 and 13 years is a long time for any 4-5mm thick piece of rubber.

Answer tphilly's questions and we'll have more to say.

Hear from you. Kira

[TonyEssex]

Thanks for the advice I will do them checks this weekend I'm on a busy week on call.

I have managed to get it plugged in and found 2 error codes that say I have problems with MAP sensor and ECM / ECU. I should be able to pick up a new MAP sensor tomorrow and see if that sorts out the above average ideling and stops the error of the ECM/ECU.

I'm hoping that the ECM/ECU is being picked up as a result of the MAP sensor I'm guessing its connected in someway but I may also be wrong?

The hand brake feels a little lose when I release the foot brake and the engine is off when I'm parked on my drive its only a small gradient but it is only a small rock back of about 6-8 inches.

what do you think ?

Next month I was thinking about getting a full service as the dash is telling me I need one along with the Timing belt just incase.

It is an auto.

[savabill]

2-3" rock back is normal. Worth getting your handbrake shoes checked. They can delaminate, causin damage to the hub.

[4candles]

Rollback is caused, in part,by wear on the hub stub,
you could build it up with chem. metal.....
and convert to adjuster instead of fixed bar...