Emissions advice for a Volvo 1988 740 GLE Non-Turbo!!

I think you have the situation well in hand. The oil change is a good idea (dirty oil is reputed to increase HC readings). The gasoline shouldn't matter, but use gas with ethanol if you have a choice. You can also check the flame trap and the oil/air separator (where the ventilation hose from the flame trap connects to the crankcase) for restriction.

The emission testers shouldn't care about the "service" light. Others here can tell you the low-down on resetting that. You don't have an ODBII system (that started in 1996, although some cars had compatible systems as early as

The only times my '85 has failed emissions were because of failing to hold pressure when they removed the gas cap and tested the tank. Both times it was because hoses were cracked where they attached to the tank. Those were accessible through a plate in the back of the station wagon (in the trunk if you have a sedan).

Mike

Note that 740s don't have that ignition system, nor that problem.

A 1988 740 would not have a check engine light (they started on 1989 on non turbos 4 cylinder, and 1990 on turbos)

The service light is just a reminder to do oil changes, and on the 1988 is reset by pulling a lever on the back of the speedo head, similar to resetting the trip mileage.

So, I have to take the speedo console all out i.e. unscrew it as if I am change some of its lamps to reset that light.

Do you know if I get the car to a dealer to read its computer would that help in determining if there is any emission's problems. Can these problems be indicated by that service light?

You can do it by reaching up from below, but I'd recommend pulling the cluster out the first time.

No, there's no built in diagnostics at all on your car.

Another couple of questions:

I heard that there is an AirBox thermostat that controls the temperature of the Air that gets to the AMM. But I don't find it in my AirBox anywhere. At the JunkYard though, I did see it in some cars. Is my car missing it and that is what is scrowing it up or the car doesn't come with it?

I found people talking about cleaning the fuel injectors at a shop/ dealer would help. Do you think this might help?

Also, some other talked about something called Cold Start valve. Where is that exactly and how can I know if it is faulty?

--Hameed.

Your air mass meter should have 007 as the last 3 digits. This looks identical to the ...016 air mass except there's an adjustment screw for the idle mixture beside the electrical connector. There are rebuilds that replace the cover with the number on it, so what's on an air mass meter may be something else entirely.

In the air box should be 2 air intakes, and a flap that covers one or the other. The flap should cover the intake that connects to the hot air tube that goes to the intake manifold at ambient temps above 15 Celsius.

I have a 016 AMM. I got from the junkyard. Should I try to adjust the the mixture using the adjustment screw.

What is the best Spark Plugs for this Car year and model?

Thanks again very much Mike.

--Hameed.

There's no adjustment screw on the 016, it's the wrong one for your car.

I always used Bosch WR7DC (copper) on all those engines.

Okay, then I am shopping for another one, I guess. I hope this adjusts the car's MPG.

Thanks a million again Mike. I really really appreciate it.

--Hameed.