Volvo RWD 200 Forum

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High Mileage oil & used parts 200

What grade oil would you recommend for an 88 NA 240 wagon with 217K miles on it? I am pretty consistent at changing it every 3K to 3.5K miles and always use a Mann filter. I have used 10W-40 but someone suggested I should use a thicker oil due to the miles on the car. By the way, I live in the mild climate of Seattle, normally no colder than low 30's in winter, no hotter than 80's to 90's in the summer.

Also, I have $160 credit at a Volvo recycler to spend. I had purchased a used ignition coil & Ignition computer which I now returned. Any suggestions on used parts that would be good spares to have on hand? It's been 6 years and 50K+ miles since I replaced the AMM.

Thanks for the advice.

Mike








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High Mileage oil & used parts 200

I use 10-30 Castrol and Lucas Oil additive and been a real happy motorist.I got 4 daily drivers volvos in my driveway and between them we got 1.2 million miles+
Mike








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High Mileage oil & used parts 200

Hello Macs245; I use Castrol GTX conventional 10/30 year round ( N.Va) in my 94 940, and Shell Rotella 5/40 synthetic year round in my 240. The 240 lives outside,( 940 is garaged)and is driven ( like he stole it)by my son, so it has a harder life and seems to really like the 5/40.
As per spares, right now in my shed are a water pump w/two gasket sets, alternator, main and in-tank fuel pumps, two AMM,s, starter, injector set, 240 ECU, AC drier, AC pressostats, assorted relays, hoses and belts. I don't like surprises, and hunting parts on the fly.
--
'94 940 150k, '86 240 170k, '72 142 KIA, '70 144 KIA, '69 144 RIP








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High Mileage oil & used parts 200

Our '88 had the AMM go out with no warning. You might consider picking up one of those and keep a spare fuel pump relay too. If you don't have seat heaters, they are nice. (Never thought I'd get so soft as that!)

I use 10-30 oil in all my Volvos but I switched to 10-30 synthetic. In the past I changed dino oil at 3000 miles and most of my cars needed 1/2 qt at about 1500 to 2000 miles and were down maybe 1/4 to 1/2 qt by the 3000 mile point. After switching to synthetic 10-30, I change oil at 6000 mile intervals and usually don't add any oil between changes. The dino oil seemed to thicken near the 3000 mile point and get very black. The synthetic doesn't thicken and is only a dark brown at the change. I've switched three 240s with mileage ranging from 100,000 to 220,000 miles at the change with no leaks appearing.

I know you can get very long engine life with 3000 mile change intervals with dino oil. I just think that the dino oil thickening by 3000 miles is an indicator that the synthetic oil really stands up better. You can get tons of discussion on this topic all over the net. Some like to dress up the outside of their cars, I like to dress up the engine's insides.








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High Mileage oil & used parts 200 1988

Here in Portland, I use 10w-30.

I've got 438K miles on my '80 for what it's worth.

Half a quart between changes sounds about right.

Good luck with whatever you choose!
--
If you listen to the radio in Portland, OR, you may know me as "Portland's Favorite Soul Brother!"








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High Mileage oil & used parts 200

There are as many opinions on oil as there are drivers. I bet you could spend all week reading the oil related threads in the archives. I don't have a manual around for an 88 but Bentley is nearly always right, if you don't have an owners manual (they've got the useful little chart). Offhand I bet 10w30 or 0w30 is correct or close most of the year.
I use 10W40 Synthetic in my Turbo in Seattle, pretty much year round. Our weather is pretty temperate, no real need to change weights unless I am planning on spending some time in the mountains.
I've heard the argument that older engines require higher weight oils, but I'm not convinced. Personally I think the wear that occurs when you start an engine on 20W50 in the dead of winter is pretty bad. My dad uses 20w50 in everything, yet he's got an ill-maintained 89 GM 350 with 230k. Who knows what is right.
Whatever weight you choose, keep changing it often and you should be good.
Living in Seattle I vote bumpers for spare parts.

Logan
--
1981 242 GLTi 1967.5 122S
Seattle, WA








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High Mileage oil & used parts 200

Hi!.like the other posts said, check your seals for leaks......and check/clean your flame trap.......i recently sent an '88 (with 215k) 240 to the recyclers....(son met some trees he didn't like....)...still had the original amm......'88's were a good year..most everything on it was still original.....but at this age , you've got to be thinking alternator,starter,fuel pumps (tho' usually better to buy new),or a spare amm could be handy....
good luck.......j.








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High Mileage oil & used parts 200

The Bentley manual for 1983+ says 10W-30 normally or 15W-40 in hot conditions.








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High Mileage oil & used parts 200

If your having to add 1/2 qt. between changes...take a look at you front and rear seals (look for droplets of oil at cover seams), as well as your flametrap....source of many a lost oil.

I use Castrol 10 W-30 all year round. At 270k (be 271K by next week) I too have to add 1/2 qt between changes. But, my seals also need to be replaced. Flametrap was installed two days ago.
--
84, 242GLTi, 167K, 4+OD, in rehab; 89, 245 DL, 270K, M 47, daily driver; 93, 245, auto, 167K ; and other toys.








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High Mileage oil & used parts 200

Al,
You use 10w30 in the dead of vermont winter?
I too use castrol 10w30 but go to 5w30 for Jan ,Feb and March.It seems to turn the engine over easier when it's below 0.

My wife is in burlington this week on business,if you see her tell her i said Hi.
Philvo
--
philvo '90 240 204k and a couple parts cars








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High Mileage oil & used parts 200

Unless you have a problem (such as oil loss/usage) with what you are using now, no real advantage in going to to a more viscous oil. I've been using synthetic 0W-30 in my cars with anywhere from 80K to 200K on them.








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High Mileage oil & used parts 200

I should add that I am using/burning some. Until recently I hadn't added that often between oil changes. However, I can easily add 1/2 qt between changes. And will be keeping a close eye on the level, adding as required.

Mike








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High Mileage oil & used parts 200

1/2 qt between 3,000 mile drains is not significant.
A synthetic oil will be more stable and heat resistant, so consumption may well drop.







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