Engine Oil, Oil Filter

Change every 5,000 mi

• Change the oil and oil filter (1) every 5,000 mi. Also replace the oil cap seal (2) and drain plug washer (3) if required. The oil change kit we offer includes a quality MANN oil filter (1), oil cap seal (2), and oil drain plug ring/seal (3).
• Use 10W30 oil for normal driving conditions. If the car is driven in cold winter weather, use 5W30 during the winter months. For older engines burning oil, 20W50 can be used during the summer months to decrease oil consumption.
• The capacity is 6.1 quarts for Volvo 5cyl engines.On Turbo models with oil coolers a bit more oil is required, you should get 7 quarts of new oil for the change.
• The drain plug requires a 14mm spanner. Do not over tighten the drain plug. The last thing you want is to strip the threads on the oil pan and having to replace it !
• Check that the oil warning light is off when the engine is running. Replace the oil pressure switch if required.
• If your engine is burning oil you should perform a compression test. This will determine if the piston rings or valves are bad. On Turbo engines some engine oil can be burned by the turbine when the seals and bearings are not leak free. The Turbine may need a rebuilt.

Check our detailed catalogue of engine parts to find oil pressure switches, piston rings, engine bearings and everything else you need to fix or rebuild your Volvo engine !

Oil cap with seal, Oil drain plug

Fix Oil Leaks

Check every 10,000 mi

• Check for oil leaks and replace any gasket and seal that failed.
• Check the list of individual gaskets or buy complete gasket sets to save or if you plan on rebuilding the engine.

Engine Gaskets and Seals

Individual Engine Gaskets

PCV Flame Trap

Change every 60,000 mi

• Replace the flame trap (3) in the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) cup (1)
• This flame trap (3) must not be clogged to avoid crankcase overpressure and oil leaks Very important for the longevity of your engine.

Engine Mounts

Check every 10,000 mi

• Check every 5,000 miles that the engine mounts are not sagging, cracked or broken. Replace them if required.
• Check the engine mounts after changing the oil filter because leaks from above makes the rubber deteriorate. Wipe oil spills on the mounts after an oil change.

Spark Plugs and Ignition System

Check spark plug gap every 5,000 mi

Change plugs every 30,000 mi

All parts are also available individually.

• Fix hard starting, stalling when wet, rough running, uneven idle, poor performance are symptoms of ignition problems. This quality Bosch kit will give a new life to your engine

• Every 5,000 mi remove the spark plugs and inspect them. Check the gap with a gauge and set it at 0.030" on most models (check owner's manual for your car).
• Torque the plugs to 10 ft-lbs.
• Change the plugs every 30,000 mi.
• Check and clean the distributor cap and rotor every 10,000 mi
• Check the ignition wires for damage
• Check the ignition timing (on adjustable models) and set per the emission label under the hood.
• Check the centrifugal advance by revving the engine
• Check the vacuum advance by disconnecting the vacuum line. Plug the line.

Throttle Cable and Idle Speed

Check every 10,000 mi

• Check, lube and adjust the throttle cable and controls.
• Set the idle speed as per the emissions label in the engine bay.

Air Filter

Check every 5,000 mi

Change every 30,000 mi

• Check the air filter every 5,000 mi. If it's dirty replace it or, for a temporary fix, turn it around such that the dirty spot is not in front of the intake.
• Replace the air filter every 30,000 mi

Cooling System

Check every
10,000 mi

Change antifreeze every 30,000 mi

• Check the coolant level and pressure by opening the cap when the engine is warm (but not too hot).
• Replace the antifreeze every 30,000 mi or 2 every years.
• Fix leaks around the water pump, hoses, radiator..
• Check the coolant freezing point with a tester and adjust the mixture for the lowest temperature in your area.
• If you use a block heater check that it works before the winter. Plug it in and listen for a hummm from the engine.
• Replace the thermostat if your car overheats shortly after start up, the needle keeps going up after reaching the normal mid point of the gauge, or the temperature never goes up to midpoint of the gauge.

Exhaust System

Check every 10,000 mi

• Check for leaks and check that hangers are unbroken and attached correctly.
• Check the color of the smoke coming out of the tail pipe. Black, blue or very white smoke are not good signs.
• Check the pressure of the gas from the tail pipe. Good pressure is a sign of an healthy engine with high compression.

Drive Belt / Serpentine Belt

Check every 10,000 mi or every year

Change every 20,000 mi or 2 years

• Check the auxiliary drivebelt or serpentine belt
• One belt drives all the engine components including the alternator, power steering pump, air conditionning compressor.
• The belt is self-adjusting, no adjustment is required.
• Check carefully the belt for signs of wear, cracks, fraying or glazing

Valves Adjustment

Check every 30,000mi

Check compression every 75,000mi

• Check the valves adjustment and correct it if necessary.
• If your engine is burning oil, perform a compression test. This will determine if the piston rings or valves are bad.
• If the compression is mostly equal in all cylinders (all values within 10%) the engine is probably still good
• If the compression in one cylinder is below the others, check the valves adjustment for that cylinder. It could require an adjustment only.
• If the valves are OK the engine pistons and/or rings should be replaced.
• This job is for experienced "Do It Yourself" mechanics but you can learn how to do it by buying one of the Volvo Service Manuals offered on this web site.

Timing Belt

Change every 50,000 mi or 5 years

• Replace the timing belt every 50,000 mi.
• This job is for experienced "Do It Yourself" mechanic but you can learn how to do it by buying one of the Volvo Service Manuals offered on this web site.

Fuel Filter

Change every 60,000 mi

Check fuel lines every 30,000 mi

• Replace the fuel filter every 60,000 miles.
• It is located next to the fuel pump under the car.
• Check all fuel lines for leaks or damage every 30,000 miles