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1981 GL (2.1L AT) newly purchased. help with issues? 200 1981

Hi All,

After 5 years between vehicles I find myself back in the Volvo game. Despite knowing there were some issues with this particular one, I couldn't resist purchasing it for the price and overall condition. I plan on taking it to a Volvo mechanic and putting some money into it, but don't want to get taken for too much. I thought I'd come here to consult all you hobbyists before I walk blindly into a shop. Below are the various nuances of this vehicle.

1.There is a minor, but noticeable shuddering/shaking when the engine has to work up a hill or from a dead start. I'm thinking engine mounts on this? The one I checked looked original, so I imagine they all need replacing.

2.There is a knocking or clunking sound in the driver's side front wheel well during various maneuvers. I think both front and rear suspension need a bit of an overhaul (everything feels a bit loose and bouncy over bumps), but not positive on what specifically to expect here if I go into a mechanic and tell them, "My suspension needs work." Do I likely just need the rubber parts replaced? i.e. inner/outer track rod ends, control arm bushings...anything else?

3.On the freeway it's hitting about 4000rpm for 65mph. I know it's just a 3-speed transmission, but I hate to make such an old engine work that hard. Anything to be done here?

4.At high speed 55+ there is a vibrating noise. Sounds like it's coming from the windshield on the passenger side. Almost like something is knocking against it. No ideas here.

5.Idle will sometimes fluctuate. There's a slight up and down cycle that completes every 1-2 seconds, with the lowest end feeling almost too low (almost sputters).

6.The previous owner said there is minor oil leakage, but it must be pretty minor because I haven't seen any on the ground yet. Still, worth having the PCV system looked at?

7.Front passenger power window doesn't go down from either control switch up front(previous owner said he had better luck in warm weather). Does this likely need both contacts cleaned as I've seen on a few other posts? Looks pretty simple...

8.Passenger side automatic door lock does not work. No ideas on this one.

Thanks for taking the time to read, and for any replies. I really appreciate it!









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    1981 GL (2.1L AT) newly purchased. help with issues? 200 1981

    thought this had over drive,. if it is not working that would account for the excess rpms, and the fixes are pretty much straight forward.
    The clunking as you are turning, depends where the clunking is coming from.
    Jack the car up, put it on a jack stand or two. Then take your jack, crawl under the car and start by elevating the trans then shaking it, then engage the trans and p/brake and start banging on the drive line, and center support. What ever is loose, will either present itself, or you may need to have someone there who can explain it to you.
    That's how its done, then you figure out how to replace/repair what ever is wandering around under the car.
    paul








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    1981 GL (2.1L AT) newly purchased. help with issues? 200 1981

    Link to Green Book pdfs.
    there's also much more on the site from Home Page


    http://www.volvowiringdiagrams.com/?dir=volvo/-%20Service%20Manuals








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    1981 GL (2.1L AT) newly purchased. help with issues? 200 1981

    1. U joints are also likely.

    2. Could be anything.

    3. Not without a tranmy swap. The B21 will do it just fine all day long 7 days a week. You ears and nerves are a different matter. A higher geared rear-end would do it and make the car even slower to accelerate.

    4. Check the windshield trim. Otherwise see U-joint above.

    5. Check all your vac lines.

    6. "Still, worth having the PCV system looked at?" Look at it yourself. There very few parks and lots of support.

    7. "Front passenger power window doesn't go down from either control switch up front(previous owner said he had better luck in warm weather). Does this likely need both contacts cleaned as I've seen on a few other posts? Looks pretty simple..." Yes.

    8.Passenger side automatic door lock does not work. No ideas on this one.








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      1981 GL (2.1L AT) newly purchased. help with issues? 200 1981

      Thank you Onkel! Very helpful stuff. If anyone knows where to find a defnitive/detailed guide to the PCV system, that would be helpful. I've had trouble finding one.








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        1981 GL (2.1L AT) newly purchased. help with issues? 200 1981

        Search the site for "flame trap"...it is simply a plastic fitting, upper and lower hoses and a vac line. Places like IPD and FCP groton probably a have videos. I'd even bet if I did a google search for Volvo 240 flame trap I would get a bunch of hits including videos like this...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4-j85vK19Y.








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          1981 GL (2.1L AT) newly purchased. help with issues? 200 1981

          Thanks again. This was the best one I could find. Has good info in the description too. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFGo_OdH55Q








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            1981 GL (2.1L AT) newly purchased. help with issues? 200 1981

            the central lock system is all about solenoids , draw bars and like that. Probably you have either a dysfunctional switch, solenoid, draw bar is out of the receiver. Best bet is to take the door apart and see what presents itself
            Paul







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