Renewing power stage thermal compound to prevent expensive failures

ramrod

With the rising cost of Volvo parts (at time of writing a new ignition power stage costs $371)

Now is a good time to re-do your old, dried, factory applied heatsink compound grease

I do this every year now as part of PM since it’s so quick and easy to do.

Remove power stage from left front inner fender

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Clean the mating surfaces properly (I use dishwashing liquid and a metal scourer)
Go to jaycar and buy this:

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Spread evenly a coat on both sides (the excess will squeeze out when you tighten the two screws)

Done

Not enough people (or mechanics) know about the power stage and how it works (or where it is) that when it overheats and fails, they can’t diagnose the issue and end up giving up fixing it.

All 1985-1996 240’s 740’s and 940’s (turbo and NA) have this power staged fitted.

Brad

I just did this on my two 940s after the power stage on mum's 740 died last week leaving me stranded on the side of the road. The thermal paste was well and truly dried out and most likely not doing its job anymore. I'm going to add it to the list of regular maintenance items.