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PV, 120 (Amazon), 1800 General Forum for the Volvo PV, 120 and 1800 cars

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Ecu unit serial number 0280000017

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Old May 12th, 2018, 15:54   #1
Volvo p1800e
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Default Ecu unit serial number 0280000017

Good afternoon
I own a 1971 volvo p1800e which is backfiring and running badly. A mechanic says I need the above part. I live in the Algarve. Does anyone have one for sale?, and is it’s replacement likely to improve the problem?
I’m losing faith in the mechanic because since January he has replaced the distributor, alternator, manifold pressure sensor and valve, plugs, leads, etc ( you get the picture) and the car is still running badly and still in his garage.
I would appreciate any help as I’m beginning to wish I’d never bought it.
Thank you.
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Old May 12th, 2018, 16:51   #2
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What was the problem that started this ball rolling?

Did it back fire and run badly before the alternator etc?

My fear would be that a mechanic not up to speed with 50 year old engine management may be randomly changing components to cover for a lack of knowledge, or if I allowed my paranoia to kick in the mechanic is hoping you lose interest in the car and put it up for sale.

I mention this as in general the first thing to check would be all the earth connections as this is simple and the cheapest thing to do, next would if there are any air leaks and then to check the gap on points.

Scott
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Old May 12th, 2018, 17:11   #3
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Also check timing and valve clearances. I encountered backfiring when my 71 1800e fuel return line to fuel pump was plugged. Try running it with the gas cap open.
I agree with Rustytoba that the mechanic may not be familiar with these cars and is throwing parts at it. Is he a classic Volvo specialist? If not maybe you should find one.
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Old May 13th, 2018, 03:06   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Volvo p1800e View Post
is it's replacement likely to improve the problem?
I doubt it.

I too think the guy doesn't know what he's doing and is, at best, replacing parts more or less at random on a trial and error basis. Replacing the electronick brane is therefore no more likely to make a difference than replacing anything else that isn't definitely known to be faulty, and indeed probably less likely as those things are physically pretty well made and electrically comparatively robust.

That he has replaced the manifold pressure sensor, and without result, in particular rings alarm bells. Unlike the ones on modern cars, these are rare and expensive and the sort of thing you avoid replacing unless you're dead certain they're dud. There's also not a lot goes wrong with them apart from the diaphragm splitting and you can check for that just by sucking on them. That he apparently changed it just to see what happens does suggest that he is not up to speed.

Really, we need a blow-by-blow account in strict chronological order of exactly what went wrong in the first place, what has been done, and what difference each thing done has made, to have any chance of getting a decent handle on what might be going on.
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Old May 13th, 2018, 17:01   #5
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Unhappy Volvo p1800e ecu / mechanic issues

Thank you for your replies. They are much appreciated.
I know nothing about mechanics. Before buying this car I asked the mechanic if was competent to work on it. Of course he said he was, I now realise he isn’t.
Looking back on it the car was running badly before I gave it to the mechanic. There was a strong smell of petrol in the car. At that stage it wasn’t backfiring but was stalling at junctions.
Not wanting to damage it I gave it to the mechanic. The first thing he did was say the issue was the distributor needing adjustment and would be a minor job. That was done together with a full service with points, plugs and lead replacement and I collected the car. Driving it home it did not run any better and started to backfire which it had not done before his work.
Having said that I had only driven the car about 15miles before giving him the car.
I returned the car to the mechanic who then said it needed a new manifold pressure sensor and manifold temperature sensor, which I purchased and he fitted. Next on his list he said it needed a distributor which I purchased and he fitted. Then the alternator was apparently not working, which has been replaced. Now he claims I need a new ecu unit.
In the meantime he also says he has sorted out some electrical wiring.
I’ve clearly had no enjoyment from this car and agree I doubt the mechanics knowledge in dealing with a classic car. I’ve gone so far with it I thought I might as well try to get the replacement ecu unit but after this I’m at the end of the road with it, whether it’s working or not.
If I take it to another mechanic he may be no better than the one who has the car now.
I will pass on all of your suggestions and will let you know the outcome. I have to say that everyone I’ve contacted at the Volvo forum have been very helpful. I still love the look of the car but it is driving me mad. Since last September I’ve only driven about 20 miles in it, over two days. The remaining time it’s been in the mechanic’s garage.
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Old May 13th, 2018, 17:37   #6
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Suggest you start a new thread looking for a classic Volvo specialist near your location. Members can be quite helpful with recommendations and experience.
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Old May 13th, 2018, 17:58   #7
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Thank you.
I will do so.
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Old May 13th, 2018, 18:34   #8
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There are no specialists in Algarve. Make sure that the mechanic gives you back all the old parts. They will probably be quite serviceable.
Call me some time and we can have another chat about it.
Just one more question. When it's running and back firing does the coil feel hot?
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Old May 13th, 2018, 22:48   #9
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Hi, missed the Algarve reference. Saw the Eastcote reference.

Some Vintage Mercedes, VW, Porsche and others used the D-Jet system, so maybe you can find some help with mechanics experienced in those cars.
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