Stock '84 760 GLE Turbo Diesel.

Anyone know what kind ofoil sump socket fitting I need to change the oil? Looks like some kind of Torx or star socket needed, but I can not find the info on alldata, and no FSM yet.

Would really appreciate an answer. I know not a lot of these are still running, but I'm sure there are a few people around that remember.

 

Some used to be a square drive a little smaller than a 3/8 drive.

 

Tech;

I'm referring to the mated end of the socket, not the drive. It is probably unique to the German engines provided to Volvo. It could also be that the system on my Volvo is an add-on/replacement system ment to be "tamper-proof".

Still working on it. If all else fails, I'll take it to Volvo, or VW, or... horrors... Jiffy Lube and have them put in my own formula (5w-40 Synthetic Rotella T, and a quart of Lucas Stabilzer). While watching. And maybe I can get the info I need to get my own wrench. (egads.)

 

Well, problem solved. I took it to a Volvo dealer here in San Jose. I'm a Toyota person by experience, so I wasn't sure what what to expect. I was impressed with the friendly people. I was also able to talk to the tech as he was working... unusual in my experience. So I got exactly what I wanted done. He pulled the weird tamper-proof sump plug and replaced it with a 17mm hex (so I can do the job next time). He put my oil and filter in.

He also ran a bunch of checks as part of their normal procedure. They weren't fast, but very friendly, as I said, and competent. I'm a happy camper.

The engine on this old dog is in beautiful shape. Does not use oil, doesn't use coolant, and runs fast for a diesel.Faster than my 4Runner. 4 speed transmission with locking overdirive. Seats in perfect condition and interior in perfect condition. Exterior good (white). Handling is great. Eats up the ground, feels very competent and safe. Ran in heavy rain today at 80 on the freeway... just feels good. And I'm getting somewhere beyond 30mpg. despite 8 miles of 1stgear driving everytime I use it. Life is good.

Downside is belts will cost $800 bucks. But I don't care, as long as it is done right.This dealer has one guy around that knows that VW engine backwards and forward. Hasn't worked on one in 5 years. Hard to find these vehicles still running. Easy to do the wrong thing and break them. Not enough warm up.Run the recommended oil, and you will kill it in 150k. I'm now predicting 250k.

We shall see. I've nothing to lose. And enjoying it in the meantime. Welcome to Volvo.

 

Gald you got it figured out.

 

Thanks. Should have ask about why the odd sump plug. Alldata shows a hex 17mm, which is what he replaced the offending sump plug with. I believe it was some kind of allen with a key in the end, like a Torx fitting (or something). Can't imagine why VW would go to that... seems ridiculous.

If I google on the subject, I do come up with various weird (to me) sump wrenches and fittings on german engines. I wonder what they could be thinking.

Anyway, as you say, problem solved.