1991 VOLVO 240

Typical onset: 120,000-200,000 mi

Symptoms: Milky pink fluid in radiator or transmission pan, Transmission slipping or delayed engagement, Overheating transmission, Strawberry milkshake appearance in coolant reservoir

Fix: The internal transmission cooler in the radiator corrodes and mixes ATF with coolant, destroying the transmission. Requires new radiator, external cooler install, transmission flush or rebuild if contamination progressed. 4-8 hours labor depending on transmission damage.

Estimated cost: $800-3,500

Typical onset: 180,000-300,000 mi

Symptoms: Low-frequency knocking at idle, worse when warm, Dropping oil pressure below 10 psi hot idle, Metallic ticking that increases with RPM, Metal shavings in oil or filter

Fix: The B230F can run forever with religious oil changes, but neglect kills bearings. Rod knock requires short block or full rebuild with new bearings, rod bolts, and machine work. 16-24 hours labor for in-chassis overhaul.

Estimated cost: $2,800-5,500

Typical onset: 150,000-250,000 mi

Symptoms: White smoke from exhaust, Coolant loss with no visible leaks, Bubbles in coolant reservoir, Rough idle and misfires, Oil looks like chocolate milk

Fix: Usually caused by cooling system neglect or thermostat failure. Head must be pulled, checked for warpage, and resurfaced if needed. Replace head gasket, head bolts, timing belt while you're in there. 10-14 hours labor.

Estimated cost: $1,800-3,200

Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: Clunking when shifting from Park to Drive, Excessive drivetrain movement on acceleration, Vibration through shifter, Transmission tailshaft appears to sag

Fix: The rubber transmission mount deteriorates and the transmission shifts position under load. Simple replacement but requires supporting the transmission. 1.5-2.5 hours labor.

Estimated cost: $200-400

Typical onset: 200,000-300,000 mi

Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption (1 qt per 500-1,000 mi), Blue smoke on deceleration or startup, Loss of compression across multiple cylinders, Breather system pushing oil out of dipstick tube

Fix: High-mileage engines with original rings lose compression and burn oil. Full ring job requires piston removal, cylinder honing, new rings and bearings while you're in there. 14-20 hours labor.

Estimated cost: $2,200-4,000

Symptoms: Hesitation or stumble under load, Hard starting when hot, Stalling at idle after highway driving, Surging at steady cruise

Fix: Often overlooked maintenance item. Volvo specifies 30,000 mi intervals but many owners skip it. Filter clogs, starves fuel pump and injectors. 0.5-1 hour labor.

Estimated cost: $80-150