Thought the problem was the PCV. It isn't the PCV...

[Sig the V40]

Right, firstly, thanks millions for the help.
Second, The car was bought with a valid MOT which runs out in August of this year. I'm, guessing the previous owner must have had a "friend in the industry" so to speak as my MOT tester who i'm pretty friendly with had a good look and poke around the car in November when I bought it. He looked a bit uneasy, as did my wallet for a little while, but all remedial work (Except sills which get done this Wednesday) has been completed and MOT chappy reckons it'll fly through, except for the exhaust.
I might as well be long winded to expain everything. Bear with me.
Purchased the car off a chap in Norwich, ebay spesh, listed badly, got it super cheap. He'd taken all the trim off the outside and the hubcaps too. Going for the "Stealth" look i'm sure.... but his fettling hadn't stopped there. Exhaust was pretty much new when I picked it up, all still shiny steel, which it isn't now after winter! Engine had all new gaskets, new alt, new dizzy. Cat was nowhere to be seen. Oxygen sensor is plumbed in pretty much below where the knee of your right leg would be if you were sitting in the drivers seat (for what it's worth). I'm guessing that it was replaced at the same time as the exhaust. Homemade fitting...
The engine pulls very well for what i'd expect of a 2.0 lump and when I picked it up off Norwich man i'm sure he mentioned something about a new cam (although this may be my overactive brain searching for bragging material...). I keep meaning to remove the belt cover and have a look but never do, but no denying it does sit it's arse down when you poke him with a stick a bit, so i wouldn't have thought so but is it possible the timing could cause this? From what i've read above, i'm guessing a leak in the exhaust system is the most plausible given the set of circumstances.
I guess the moral of the story is not to buy a 240 off Ebay from a rubbish mechanic bloke in Norwich called Dave...
But i'm going to restore the Moose to his former glory even if it kills me, I love it to bits!
Thanks again for your advice!

[Sig the V40]

Oh and as far as fault codes go, I'm an utter pleb.
Do I need a computer for that i'm guessing?

[tannachyallen]

Originally Posted by Sig the V40

Oh and as far as fault codes go, I'm an utter pleb.
Do I need a computer for that i'm guessing?

no, not at all..............have a look at this post

http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showth...ht=fault+codes

Dave A

[Sig the V40]

Hahaha!
I got halfway down the page, the horror of what could be revealed dawned and I'm now holding a reasonably large glass of wine.
Ok, if I must....

[Dirty Rooster]

Well I think you got a bargain, car sounds good.
I guess some of your reported troubles may (if fitted) be down to a slightly fruity cam...
In any case have you filled up with Shell V-power?

When your MOT comes 'round you may be shelling out for a cheapo CAT (and bits of exhaust) to swap in then out again after the test.
Ask the seller if he's got any spare exhaust bits : might be lucky!

[Sig the V40]

The only conversation i've ever had about V-Power or any other
wizzo fuel has been with my Dad, who told me that it was a waste of money. Being an attentive son, my though process terminated there.
Is there really that much of a difference? Does it burn hotter / More bang for your buck? Is it any good / designed for my engine? Argh! Too many questions! You all seem to like it though so i'll give it a go!

[Sig the V40]

He thanks you all kindly...

[Sig the V40]

Right, I have the codes.

2-1-2
1-2-1

Sooo, i'm guessing, down to Wooble's excellent article, that the Lambda sensor is borked, as is the Mass airflow meter or is this some heinous combination of circumstances that means i'm going to spend the weekend weeping in a corner?
Couple of things for certain. Expense and learning and swearing ahead.

[Dirty Rooster]

My Lamba sensor swap was surprisingly easy, but every stage I guess I was lucky.
Searched evilbay for the cheapest one that looked identical to a dead one I had lying about,
got it, connected it to the dead one's wires as per instructions,
took the dodgy one out of the downpipe which wasn't rusted too tight,
swapped new on in, found a good spanner for that.
Worked.
Much healthier and fuel-efficient engine. Happy car.

[tannachyallen]

If you end up needing a MAF unit go genuine Bosch, don't be tempted by the Chinese copy's. I got a reconditioned one from Braydon motors. It's been good for nearly 3 years so far.

Dave A