Every two years I get my car's emissions measured. Here are all the results:

1999 - 81K mi
HC ppm = 19 @ idle, 6 @ 2500
CO% = .01 @ idle, .12 @ 2500
CO2% = 15.5 @ idle, 15.1 @ 2500

2001 - 112K mi
HC ppm = 5 @ idle, 5 @ 2500
CO% = .00 @ idle, .00 @ 2500
CO2% = 15.9 @ idle, 15.7 @ 2500

2003 - 143K mi
HC ppm = 2 @ idle, 2 @ 2500
CO% = .01 @ idle, .00 @ 2500
CO2% = 16.2 @ idle, 16.4 @ 2500

Gotta love the way those HC numbers are trending...!

As usual, I'm running Conoco 91 octane pump gas plus DurAlt fuel conditioner, a K+N air filter that's been tapped out a few times and re-oiled once but not fully serviced for years and years, Mobil 1 engine oil (about 3.7K mi old), and Bosch Platinum spark plugs (with ~ 3.7K mi on them as of yesterday's emission test).

I cannot tell you how much the DurAlt helps, as the car has never been run without it.

The car still has all its original underhood hoses and ignition wires. The fuel filter was replaced once at ~ 70K mi, and the distributor cap/rotor at ~ 99K mi.

It's had more than its share of "issues", but the way this car is ageing is so good (like the engine, the suspension's just getting broken-in), I'm not sure if it makes me want to buy another Volvo or just keep on using this one forever...

- Dave; '95 854T, 143K mi; K+N, DurAlt, Mobil1, Bosch Platinums

Dave;
Where does one purchase some of the magic "DurAlt"? Can it be had at any of
the major auto parts stores like AutoZone or Pep boys?

Amway used to sell DurAlt...

For years I've gotten mine from Joe Egan. (A gallon lasts me a long time; maybe just get an 8 oz container/dispenser to start with...) But last year his 800# (the long dist svc) went belly-up. Still, you can check with him at egans_pit_stop at msn.com (email) or 206 241-7278, or I guess you could try http://www.buyduralt.com/ (but Joe is one of those special guys I always prefer to deal with; I have never been sorry for having done so; he takes very good care of his customers).

It's goofy stuff; only 1 oz per 16 gal is needed (and more is not better). It's made by Polar Molecular Corp (the only other place I've ever gotten it from).

BTW, I've never needed/used any FI cleaner on this car.

- Dave; '95 854T, 143K mi

Also just smogged both my 1997 850s this week. Gas cap failed to pressurize on my first 850 after three attempts; the other 850's cap passed on its second try. Both had emission results similiar to brand new cars. Ended up getting a $6 replacement at a local auto parts chain store. Last thing I need is a vacuum failure and the OBD-2 check engine light to come on.

I had a 1994 850 and if memory serves me right, the cap was partially metal (never had a problem with past emission tests). Looks like Volvo replaced the caps with cheaper (and apparently more prone to failure) all-plastic ones on the later model 850s/70s.

Andy

don't jinx it touch some wood or something!!!