240 General: New (to me) 1980 Volvo 244

[Laird Scooby]

Originally Posted by Othen

Particularly on a 6v system Dave - the error budget is tiny.

Error budget Alan? What error budget?

[Othen]

Originally Posted by Othen

I started the Bloop again the other day - the indicators had stopped working again. I ordered another relay (a generic 6v one, cost £5.99 I think) which arrived, but that didn't fix the problem, so I thought I'd better fix it properly rather than being lazy and guessing.

It took about a minute with a multi-meter to work out what was wrong this morn. With the engine running the new relay only had 3.5v at its input terminal - it is fed directly from the 6v rectifier/regulator, so the problem must be there. Following the wire back the issue was clearly a really corroded output connector on this little Stanley DE45 regulator:

... I gave it a clean up, a spray with some contact cleaner and replaced the spade connector on the wiring side with a new one:

and... Robert is your mother's brother - a bit over 6v at the relay, nice bright indicator lights and as a bonus the headlamp and tail lamps are bright as well (bright in this context is a relative term: bright compared with a pushbike with a dynamo, very dim compared with a modern bike or car).

The rectifier is 45 years old, it works just fine but the two integral terminals are pretty frail, so I've ordered a generic one (cost £5.99) to replace it:

... I will of course keep the Stanley DE45 safely in the Bloop spares box in case anyone wants to return the bike back to its orifinal state one day (just like I do with the RB) :-)

... to complete this little side thread. The generic 6v regulator showed up in the mail yesterday and was an exact fit, the mounting hole was the same sze and even the male and female posts were the same way around:



... hard to tell the difference, isn't it? The ancient Stanley item has retired to the Bloop's spares box - just in case :-)

Alan

[Laird Scooby]

You'd never know the difference unless you looked extremely closely Alan! Another excellent repair!

[Othen]

It doesn't seem like just over a year since I bought the Royal Barge - and carried out that first basic service - but it is that time again already, so I changed the oil and a few other little jobs this morn.

The oil and filter change was simple enough of course. It is easiest with the car up on some ramps, and I'd recommend isolating the battery (because there is a permanent live to the alternator - right next to the filter.

The sump plug seems to be a 1", fortunately I still have some imperial sockets:



... there is just room to get a filter wrench in here and loosen it until it comes off by hand (actually access from underneath is a bit easier, I was just being a bit lazy):



This time I used this Mann type filter that came recommended (and only cost about £3 from Amazon):



Other jobs this morn: I re-tensioned the cam belt (I had changed the tensioner 600 miles ago) and carried out a partial change of the ATF in the gearbox. Each time I get a little over 2 litres out of the auto box, and it is much redder than a year ago. I checked over the belts (changed recently) air filter, hoses, brake fluid, coolant and so on.

The RB is ready to go for another year :-)

PS. Just one outstanding job: adjusting up the handbrake a bit. I'll have a look in the BofH and maybe get that done this afternoon.

[Stephen Edwin]

Hello,

To summarise re you giving the Royal Punt an annual lube &c.. I am pleased to see that in several or all aspects you have learnt some advice you have received.

That Mann filter is probably important. It is understood to be the filter sold by Volvo dealers. But. Either brand. The point is the non-return valve.

P.S In an annual lube there are many points to lube. In an annual service there is a lot to be checked - especially if the vehicle might not be MOT tested in future. Being conscious of this I have engaged a recommended auto engineer re the future of my car. Mine will be subject to MOT but I think that DIY maintenance is usually reactive not proactive. Not for many perhaps any of us sufficiently rigorous or methodical.

Comrade Stephen Edwin





.

[Othen]

... I read up about the handbrake adjustment in the BofH this afternoon. The specification is 2 to 8 clicks on the lever. When I checked the Royal Barge I found it was fully engaged after 5 clicks - so if it ain't broke, don't fix it :-)

[loki_the_glt]

If you're left-handed oil-filter removal is a piece of cake as only your thumb is exposed to the alternator terminals and exhaust manifold!

[Bob Meadows]

What a design- oil filter on its side!
At least you can get at it though:~

Once loose a plastic bag over the canister can save a lot of oil drips and less repeating of the words your farther warned you about!
Regards Bob.

[360beast]

Here you go Alan

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Silverline-...c=1&th=1&psc=1

Everyone should have a set of oil filter pliers!

[Laird Scooby]

Originally Posted by 360beast

Here you go Alan

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Silverline-...c=1&th=1&psc=1

Everyone should have a set of oil filter pliers!

Or a Boa Constrictor :

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Boa-Const...k/303685415517

Given how tight the access is on a red block the Baby Boa might be better though :

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BOA-Baby-...h/401605631404

It's all a bit tight on the red block, always wondered why Volvo did that.