740GLE Revitalization....

[Benz_man600]

I just purchased a 1986 Volvo 740GLE (to take a little bit of the "everyday driving" preasure off my aging W140, and out of my dieting pocket!). The car has 250 or so thousand miles on it, and it's in average condition. Here's the trick.....The car sat for two years in someones driveway. The car was simply parked, and used for storage. After about one year, the trunk seal dried out and water started filling the trunk. So there is a moldy trunk mat to DESTROY, and also smell that will set your nostrils on fire. What procedures should I go through before I start, and drive, the car for the first time. At this very moment, it is being towed to my uncles shop so I can perform "The Revitalization..."

BEFORE i AM HARRASSED BY ANY PEOPLE: I do realize this is a Mercedes Benz Forum, but the help would still be gratefully appreciated.

[John Plut]

I also have an '86 740 GLE with about 210K on it. I do all my own repairs and maintenance on it. The Volvo 4 cyl is a very simple user friendly engine I will be glad to help with any questions you have once you get it going.

As far as starting up the car. You might want to change the oil right off the bat. I would also remove plugs and squirt some fogging oil into the cylinders and turn the engine over by hand a couple times before starting. I have always done that with cars that were stored, preferably before going into storage. Gas gets stale too so it might help to drain out the old stuff and replace it before trying to start it. One thing that may give you trouble is the brakes. Rotors tend to get rusty and pistons stick on cars that have been sitting out. If the piston boots are in good shape, you might be okay. The problem with the rotors is that they rust differently where the pad is in contact. Rust will cause noise and pedal pulsation. If it doesn't go away, you will need rotors. Just be careful with the brakes and change the brake fluid when you get it running. The car also uses a timing belt that you may want to replace soon. The belt costs less than $20 and takes about 2 hours to change. It's not something you would want to break.

Good Luck,
John

[Benz_man600]

I can do the timing belt replacement now. COuld I get some instructions from somewhere on the net? The brickboard is too confusing. Ive become acustomed to this forum!

[tvpierce]

I too am a Volvo owner -- 940 Turbo. Love the car, but it aint no Benz. The 201 is my German car. The 940 is my Swedish truck.

I'm very familiar with the use of brickboard, so I hunted this info down for you. The following link has very detailed info re: timing belt change procedure:

http://www.mikeponte.com/volvo/timing.htm

I have the parts to do this procedure on my Volvo -- I just haven't gotten around to it yet. The consensus on this job is that you should definately replace the belt tensioner while you're in there. Also the seals for the 3 shafts. And probably the water pump.

The tensioner and the seals are cheap and should take you all of about 5 minutes. The water pump is your call. (I will be doing mine at the same time)

FYI: You can get Volvo parts at Fastlane (on this site).

Good luck. Let me know if I can help in any way.

Jeff Pierce

Basically, change every fluid in the car. Don't forget the differential.