I bought a 240 with only 60k on the odometer (verified by CarFax). That's the good news. The clutch needed replacement and the mechanic said that waiting any longer would have damaged the flywheel (was driven in the city but on flat ground). The car appears to be poorly cared for (dirty fluids, dents on body). The manual transmission shifts ok, but I assume that there might be damage to it. I want to do everything possible to care for the transmission. Any suggestions? I was thinking of putting in Mobil 1 synthetic transmission fluid. Any opinions on that?

Thanks in advance!

The overfill recommendation is to address upper lubrication issues in the early M47s. Before you drain be sure you can loosen the fill plug -- they frequently get damaged / overtightened. Use only a 6-point 13 mm wrench. Go with the Redline MTL, available through FCPGroton. See http://www.redlineoil.com/whitePaper/13.pdf

I have not had a manual shift transmission since I was a kid but Mobil ATF is not what is used in this type of tranny. gear oil is what is used in a manual transmission but I'm not sure about Volvo. You have the right idea about Mobil. i would get the specs on what Volvo recomends then call Mobil. You can also go to the dealer

Thanks for your prompt reply! I planned to put in Mobil 1 synthetic 75W-90 gear oil.

VolvoinCA.

Per operators manual: Manual Transmission with overdrive, M47
Capacity: 1.6US qts = 1.5 liters
Fluid type: Automatic Transmission Fluid Type F

It's your call, but I would go with yamas suggestion.

Hope this helps,

RonJ

93, 245, 180k

I'd change the fluid and overfill with 2 quarts of type F ATF. After 2-3K miles I'd change it again with Redline MTL and also overfill with 2 quarts.

Thanks for your prompt response, which I appreciate. Please clarify the following for me: what's thr reason for overfilling it with ATF? Would I do that by jacking the car at an angle away from the fill hole? Thanks again!

Absolutely not: the manual trannies take Type F. See the FAQ for tips on fluids and maintenance:

http://www.brickboard.com/FAQ/700-900/TransmissionManual.htm

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See the 700/900 FAQ at the drop-down menu above right.

Thanks for your prompt reply. I read on the PV544 portion of this bulletin board that users did well by putting 75w-90 in their M41 trannies. Is my manual tranny that different that 75w-90 would harm it? Do they make synthetic Type F? If so, where can I find it?

Per the FAQ information for the 700 (identical tranny), Redline makes a synthetic Type F fluid that is highly recommended.
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See the 700/900 FAQ at the drop-down menu above right.