What's the best manual for a 1981 242? My Bentley only covers from 83 on.

Diego -

See if going to http://www.volvocars.com/lit turns up a Volvo Service Manual for your car. The Volvo "Green" books are not "one book for the whole car" but rather a book for a section, such as brakes, cooling system, etc.

If they are available for your car, be sure to get the Wiring Diagrams book, not matter what else you need. If you don't have an Owner's Manual, they might have one of those, too.

Good Luck,

Bob

;>)

The Haynes book covers all the older cars with wiring diagrams. I have one copy that covers up to 1986, so it's not much use on the later model things like the newer LH 2.4 and airbags.... but it services all the odler cars just fine. There are always various Haynes manuals on Ebay for various prices. Avoid Chiltons unless you've got a spill to mop up, and can't find the paper towels.
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Rob Bareiss, New London CT ::: 86 244DL, 87 244DL, 88 744GLE, 91 244: 805K total

Bentley is still dang good. Assuming your '81 is non-turbo, you can still follow along under the CIS/K-Jet portions of Bentley.

The wiring and electrical diagrams for an '81 are pretty close to the '83.

I'd say there's no need for any additional manual.