I've found an '87 244DL with a leaky tranny for $600. My '87 245 (wrecked) runs strong, and has a good transmission. For the needed parts to repair the wagon....$750 from the cheapest boneyard.

What do you guys think? Whats the worst case scenario when it comes to a tranny leak, and whats the most common?

Thanks in Advance
Rob K
Raleigh, NC
'87 245

The trans may just need a tailshaft bushing and seal. Parts cost list price is $37.50, and the labor to replace those, using the special bushing-pulling tool, is only about an hour. Ask at the Volvo shops if they have that. Otherwise the whole rear housing comes off, one more gasket but a lot more work.

The cooler lines do leak right at the bellhousing clamp- they're about $40 each from Volvo, and come pre-formed with all the crazy angles in them. Temporary repairs to this should be considered emergency only- this area is right adjacent to the exhaust headpipes, and that's a pretty hot spot.
--
Rob Bareiss, New London CT ::: '87 244DL/M47- 229K, 88 744GLE- 218K, 82 245T-181K Also responsible for the care and feeding of: 88 745GLE, 231K, 87 244DL, 239K, 88 245DL, 246K

I would guess that your worst case senario would be that you buy the 244 and decide that the leak is an easy fix and that it runs too good to part it out...then you have spent $600 and still don't have the parts to fix the wagon...so you end up hunting another parts car...thats how I got started and now I have ten...

some we drive...some for parts...some will roll again...
Bret
--
rust free in west Texas

Worst case scenario on the tranny would be a cracked case, but you can pretty much rule that out. Real world worst case would be a front seal leak. It's probably either a bad rear seal (and bushing), or a cracked cooler line. Either way, it's a cheap DIY fix.
--
1991 245, 61k miles, looking for a 5 speed 92-93 245 cheap.