I recently bought an '88 240 wagon with 234K for 1K. I have some fixup
questions.
1. I need to adjust the parking brake before inspection. Other postings
directed me to remove the parking brake console by removing the two screws
at the side rear, lifting the back slightly and pushing forward to clear the
front hook. Looking carefully inside the console I can see that there are
some slightly curved slots in the side that engage posts so the console is
positioned correctly front to back. I can not lift the console high enough
for the slots to clear the posts and I don't want to force it because I'm
sure the console would start cracking. Is there a trick that I'm missing?
2. I've driven the car 2000 miles mostly on short trips. On two occasions
the temperature gauge has gone unusually high and has approached the red
zone so I stopped for a while to cool off. Is the likely cause a thermostat
that's getting stuck or maybe an electric fan that's not coming on?
3. I'm leaking oil from the bottom. I took the car in for diagnosis/repair
and the mechanic's conclusion after a visual inspection was a bad rear main
seal. Both the mechanic and other NG postings say this is a 6 hour job --
seems like the (auto) tranny must be dropped among other things. I didn't
get the repair done because the mechanic (reliable Volvo specialist) had no
seals in stock. Is this an unreasonable job for a solo weekend mechanic or
should I go back to the mechanic?
4. I frequently but not always hear a high pitched whine from the rear that
increases in volume with speed. What are the possible causes?
Thanks, Ray
