I changed the oil on my '93 945T today (with 102K miles--I also removed and cleaned the breather box and "Y" fitting, hoping that it was the source of my oil and idle (vacuum?)problems, but it was clear). While screwing on the filter, I brushed against the rod that is on the bottom of the turbo charger (IIRC, it's called the "wastegate actuator rod"-is that right?). Anyway, a small wire that looks like a broken cotter pin came tumbling down. I believe that such a pin holds the rod to the small lever on the bottom of the turbo. However, I felt all around the little stud on the lever looking for a hole or a flat place for a cotter pin and could feel nothing. The rod appears to be tight on the stud--I couldn't pull it off. This could be because of the corrosion on the rod, however. Anyway, am I in trouble now? Does this pin hold the rod on, and could there be a disaster if the rod comes loose from the lever? How do I insure that the rod does not come loose?

I also notice that the turbo throws oil. When I purchased the car in October 2003 (with 95K on her)I cleaned some oil off the turbo, and it's all come back. I don't see any evidence of oil leaks anywhere else (replaced the front seals when I replaced the timing belt at 100K). I had the car inspected by a Volvo only mechanic when I purchased it, and he noted problems with the turbo oil return tube. There is some oil on the block where the tube enters it ('course he also said that the breather box was a problem, and maybe it was--the O-ring was pretty flat). Anyway, there must be something that forces the oil past the turbo hoses (particularly the top hose--most of the oil collects around it and on the turbo body just below it).

I still have some idle problems. It idles a bit rough (feel engine vibration in the door--checked mounts, there is good clearance at the oil pan) and every once in a while (say, every 20 seconds or so) a shudder goes through it. Idle is not steady (oscillates between 500 and 600)and shudders badly when the AC compressor kicks in. I tried the oil cap test; when I loosen the cap, it dances on the valve cover.

I realize that this is a lot of questions, but I'm still kind of a newbie. Man, I love this car and I am really grateful for this forum. Thanks.
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Steve Van Steenhuyse ('93 944T, 100K)