Volvo AWD 850 Forum

INDEX FOR 10/2025(CURRENT) INDEX FOR 10/2006 850 INDEX

[<<]  [>>]


THREADED THREADED EXPANDED FLAT PRINT ALL
MESSAGES IN THIS THREAD




  REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE Replies to this message will be emailed.    PRINT   SAVE 

Questions on routine maintenance 850 1996

We got Arabella, our 850, about 5,000 miles ago, and I'm getting ready for routine maintenance at 140,000 before a vacation trip. Some questions, if I may:

1. The Haynes manual makes no reference to spark plug wire resistance - I've learned over the years that plug wires often appear fine but have very high resistance. Anyone know what the acceptable range is - or are these somehow radically different from other plug wires?

2. Is it possible to test the timing belt tensioner pulley, tension plunger, and idler pulley before I tear into the timing belt replacement? I know the answer is almost certainly "no," but...Groton's prices are a LOT better, but not quite as immediately available when I'm working, and the car is LOML's daily driver.

3. I've looked at the Haynes manual and Bay 13 (quite a resource!). Any other useful tips?








  •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

    Questions on routine maintenance 850 1996

    Replace wires at approx 100k miles, with Bougicord (OEM)

    The tensioner should be ok, but if you feel more comfortable replacing it, no issue there, other than cost.

    Definitely replace the pulleys though.

    If your car is a non-turbo, go with the Volvo 4 prong plugs (every 25-30 k miles) to prevent fouling and warm start issues. If turbo, good old copper cores are recommended by just about everyone.

    Bosch for all other electricals, where applicable is always a good choice

    eeuroparts.com or fcpgroton.com both have excellent prices, but I would have to agree with another reader, eeuroparts will probably be faster shipping for you.

    BB
    --
    1998 V 70 BASE








  •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

    Questions on routine maintenance 850 1996

    As for the plug wires, most any decent brand will do and you don't need to be concerned about resistance. Of course check the condition of the existing and replace if you have any doubts.

    Same thing with the plugs. I like the basic Bosch platinums, very durable plug.

    I'd definitely shorten the specified air filter interval. I change mine every 10k.








  •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE Replies to this message will be emailed.    PRINT   SAVE 

    Questions on routine maintenance 850 1996

    Bill,

    I have no idea of the answers to your question, but I'll say this. If you don't know anything about the prior maint you can assume its hasn't been done lately. 850's are picky about plugs, rotor and dist. cap. About 25-30k miles is all for them. So get those too. And you might want to check www.eeuroparts.com - they give free shipping on orders over $35 and I usually have the parts the next day as they usual ship via FedEx. Although fcpgroton is good too.

    As for wires and timing belt - miles and time need to be considered. If you have any question about if go for the change. And there are those that replace pulleys every timing belt change as long as they are in there.

    And don't forget flame trap (if non-turbo), oil & air filters! And a few of the crush washers for the oil drain plug while you are ordering things are handy to have.

    Enjoy!







<< < > >>



©Jarrod Stenberg 1997-2022. All material except where indicated.


All participants agree to these terms.

Brickboard.com is not affiliated with nor sponsored by AB Volvo, Volvo Car Corporation, Volvo Cars of North America, Inc. or Ford Motor Company. Brickboard.com is a Volvo owner/enthusiast site, similar to a club, and does not intend to pose as an official Volvo site. The official Volvo site can be found here.