Well, I got rid of a perfectly good 2002 Honda Accord EX and put the money into my 850 turbo wagon with 150K miles, that had been out of commission for a year due to a bad tranny. I ran it monthly for the 500 yards it would go before loosing all of its gears. After sinking in $3200 (which is more than the car's value!) for a rebuild, new tires and a drive shaft, I'm back on the road. The only problem is the mileage and power isn't what it used to be, and there is a slight play in the steering column. It's true, I'm mentally ill for reviving this car. Everything else works great; the body and paint are good and the leather is excellent. Does anyone have a suggestion on how I can solve my two remaining problems without further humiliation from my wife and friends? From what I've read, my mpg and power problem may be due to dirty injectors/filter. My steering play is very minor and I'm hoping that any significant problems are very slow in developing.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Jack up both rear wheels and verify they turn easily, you don't want to have a stuck caliper or brake shoe.
It would have been much cheaper to get a 1997 tranny from a bone yard.

Oh, don't forget to get a fresh tank of gasoline before you talk mileage.

Klaus

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The more I learn, the more I forget. So why learn?

Thanks for the advice. I'll check the calipers, but I suspect it's something in the fuel system based on the sound of the engine as it accelerates and the slightly rough idle. Is there a good method for cleaning the fuel system without taking it apart? I've put about 500 miles on the car since I got it running.

If you are having a rough idle, check the vacuum lines around the intake manifold. Acutally, they are old enough to just replace. Any air leak will cause the engine to run rich.

Klaus
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The more I learn, the more I forget. So why learn?

So should I bother paying a shop to clean the fuel injectors? I'm going to replace the fuel filter since I have it and I don't think it has ever been replace. I'll check the vacuum lines as you suggest.

Thanks!

Having nice clean injectors is a good thing and usually costs around $15 each. I have used http://www.cruzinperformance.com/ A one man shop which did a very good job on mine.
But it does take a few days for turn around. You will also want to get new top and bottom seals.

Don't forget to flush your tranny fluid and clean the idle air control and throttle body. The MAF/AMM could also be cleaned with a spray can of electrical cleaner - volvospeed.com has a very good write up on this.

Klaus
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The more I learn, the more I forget. So why learn?

I would recommend seafoam for cleaning your fuel system. You'll find lots of advice on how to do this and also the water/steam treatment on the various boards. Use some in the fuel tank and some sucked up through the intake.

Definitely clean the throttle body with a brush and cleaner, and clean the IAC.

Definitely FLUSH YOUR TRANNY FLUID!

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1998 V70 AWD Turbo 195k+

Well, Klaus, I found a vacuum leak in the line that runs behind the headlight on the drivers side. I also changed the fuel filter and it seems to be running better.