I have got 2 responses regarding my post at Toolbox.

89 240 wagon loses climbing power with full tank.

I got replies and they were suggesting replace fuel fitler

Any input beside that? Thanks

I had an '87 240 whose OE cat "guts" came loose and, with time and vibration, the debris formed a compact ball of scrap about 2.5" in diameter (found during autopsy).

Under varying conditions of acceleration and terrain, this "cat ball" would roll back and plug the cat outlet, producing much the same symptoms as you describe.

When the car stopped (or sometimes under braking deceleration), the ball rolled forward again, freeing the exhaust, and all was well till the next time.
--
Bruce Young, '93 940-NA (current), 240s (one V8), 140s, 122s, since '63.

Unlike my 7.3L truck you have to hit the accelerator (pedal on the far right) when going up a hill.

The same trick also works well for merging on the interstate.

my smart ass remark for today.

Andrew

Sounds like the catalytic converter matrix maybe broke up. Check the cat by rattling it and listen for pieces and check for good exhaust at tail pipe. As the car goes up hill the pieces can block the exhaust. If thats the case the pieces can and do find their way thru the entire exhaust system, I found some in the forward muffler and the connecting pipe.

The only time I have ever heard of this was on a Motorhome. There was a cracked vacuum hose that only opened when the engine shifted a bit when going uphill. (normal movement on rubber motor mounts)

Mark

Did this just start happening or is this car new to you and you are expecting a lot from a 4 banger with another 100lbs added when it has a full tank?
--
'75 Jeep CJ5 345Hp ChevyPwrd, two motorcycles, '85 Pickup: The '89 Volvo is the newest vehicle I own. it wasn't Volvos safety , it was Longevity that sold me http://home.no.net/ebrox/Tony's%20cars.htm

My timing was off, set to zero instead of -12 degrees and once I set it correct the thing had power up hills. Maybe you lost a tooth on the timing belt and it slipped a bit.