Just finished a 2,500 mile trip in my 88 744t. I passed 261,000 on the way back. From Ohio, I went to NYC, CT and then on to Maine. The only problem I had was a plug wire that abandoned ship at about 3am on route 88. I thought I blew a head gasket but one of the caps on the spakplugs had come unscrewed and the plug wire had come off. Once I tightened it back up it was smooth sailing. In addition the car only used a 1/4 quart of oil on the way there and a 1/4 quart on the way back. Needless to say I'm not complaining.

I am amazed every time undertake such a trip in my old car. The one thing I did notice is that I no longer get the 29-30 mpg on the freeway like I used to. It averaged 25. Wondering if I should look at the O2 sensor or the coolant temperature sensor: my tailpipe is pretty sooty.


JS

Are you still on the original O2 sensor? If so, replace it with a Bosch sensor from a 1990's Ford V8 ($40 & will require splicing on your Volvo connector).

Other places to check for decreased fuel economy:
- Air filter
- Fuel filter
- Thermostat
- Tire pressure

Jeff Pierce
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'93 945 Turbo ( one kickass family car ! ), '92 Mercedes 190E (my daily driver), '53 Willys-Overland Pickup (my snow-plow truck/conversation piece -- sold to a loving home), '85 Jeep CJ-7 w/ Fisher plow

If I did my math correctly you used 13 gallons or about $30 more on this 2500 mile road trip than you did at 29MPG. That hardly seems worth it....unless you look at it for the next 100,000 miles. You would be spending $1380 more than necessary. Turbo? 29MPG? Gots to be a manual.
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Tom F. Couple of Volvos Mods, RainX & cup holders.

It is a manual. m46 turbo sedan.
It is only about 30 bucks @ 25mpg but it was sometimes closer to 20mpg which concerns me a bit more. I suppose if I want Great mileage I should buy a civic or a prius.

JS

Do the basic tune up stuff, O2 sensor and I have seen new ECT's do wonders too.
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Tom F. Couple of Volvos Mods, RainX & cup holders.