Volvo 480 Club Europe

Just want to clarify where the oil is - was it inside the inlet manifold, and only visible when you took the throttle body off? Or was it on the outside of the engine? I've got four 480s of the same vintage/engine. They all leaked from the oil filler cap, and the oil usually pooled around no1 spark ...

I did have a problem similar to yours. One of the starter motors I had reconditioned would work when cold, but not turn when hot because the bendix gear would go in on the solenoid and jam. The cause was the motor being slightly out of alignment with the bell housing. I cured it by loosening the 3 m...

Do you mean how the car knows whether the door is open or shut? There are reed switches attached to the door lock mechanism that tell the CEM when the door is shut. This affects the central locking and interior lights. A moveable magnet operates the switch, which is sealed against moisture etc. I'd ...

I stand corrected - my brain wanted to see bronze in the data sheets, because I'd love there to be a choice of oils. As you'll see from my earlier postings, I advocate the Volvo oil. In any case, it's the only one I could actually get in this part of the world. (Apart from the Amsoil, which was proh...

1. the ratios between a -es and turbo boxes are different, but not alot. They belong to the same Renault M50 series. 2. all 480 boxes have electronic speedo pickups. 440s and 460s are mechanical. They can be used, but a mod has to be done. Email me & I'll forward you pictures of two I have done. 3. ...

....but the TRX datasheet DOES NOT state that it is bronze safe, although it may well be...However, the TRT and TRP grades clearly state that they are safe to use in gearboxes with bronze sync. rings and are API-GL5 to boot. So I think that brings to 5 the choices of bronze safe oils - Volvo, Miller...

oops. forgot to put down the website with the data sheets for Elf oils.

http://www.eliteoil.co.uk/Products/Elf_ ... arbox.html

Thanks for naming the wonder oil. It's a pity my first attempt to find the Elf product ended when I struck a few numb-nuts who obviously don't know their product. Since found this website, and one grade (not the TRX) is specifically listed as bronze safe and Renault approved. I've got a Mitsubishi G...

That's just the problem. Neither Elf (from their website contact) or workshops that use Elf oils could name a suitable oil from their range. When I discussed the matter of bronze parts, an old guy (70) who owns one such garage says that he uses Amsoil in the vintage cars that he restores that have b...

I've had my camera replaced, so can do. Please supply your email address & I'll forward some pictures. I find it's a bit of a pain to get pix onto this forum..

Yes, I'm "multicultural" so to speak. Haven't got those Euros things sussed yet. I'm visiting England (Hertfordshire and the SE) in January, so if I'm nearby and you want to sell a fog light, I'm willing to talk turkey.

That was a good tip about the AX struts.
As for the foglight, I'll happily buy at least the RH one off you. And I'll even come to the UK for it - assuming you're in old blighty somewhere!

Surprisingly, just the glass lens is available. They're cheaper than the whole assembly. Something like 22 quid.
As for gas struts, I have had great success with getting them regassed at a shock absorber specialists.

Luckily just the clear lenses are available, which is cheaper than the whole assembly, but they are still pricey.....are they unique to the 480?
Does Mr Hella supply them to other Euro manufacturers?

Is there a supplier of third party windscreens in the UK? I'm looking at importing some, or getting some made for me, as only Volvo stock them here in NZ, and they cost more than the car! Even cars with insurance don't always get fixed - the insurance company writes them off! 480s are so rare here, ...

Hi! Sometime ago I posted a very wordy post about how to remove a windscreen without damage to yourself or car. Like Jim, I just cut cut cut. Only change I've made to the method is I now use a bigger bladed NT cutter. As for refitting the screen, it's bonded using a special polyurethane, and it is i...

I've had great success repairing tailights that have broken top edges, holes etc and reinforcing ones that aren't yet broken. I use clear embedding resin (the type you use to encase insects etc). The brand I use is called "KlearKast" and costs about 15 quid for 1 litre.

I've had the same symptom, but for two different reasons. Firstly, the latch was dirty and jamming. Taking it out, cleaning it and light oil = total fix. Don't over oil, or use heavy oil as dirt will stick to it, and the problem will recurr. Second one, the latch assy' had been over tightened and th...

That's a great tip! Unfortunately in this part of the world both 480s and AX's are very rare. There are firms here in NZ that regas struts for less than 10 quid (NZ$22). I've had no problems at all with reconditioned struts. I suppose there are places in other countries that do reconditioned struts ...

In this part of the world they're called speed nuts, and they're available in blister packs from Repco (Halfords equivalent), or in cartons of 50 or 100 from panel beater supplies. Size is often specified by the gauge of the screw they're for - 10G and 12G are popular automotive sizes. Captive nuts ...