360 GLT ignition system

[muggins]

Hi all! My first post and I'd like to say -
What a great site! Even down under in Australia we have people who still enjoy Volvo 360's
(we didn't get the 340's here)
Question time - my '86 360 GLT is having troubles with the Renix electronic ignition system. It
failed to start one day, and after much cursing and testing it seems to be the angular motion
sensor. If I remove in and reinstall it, the problem goes away and the engine starts. BUT not
always! It seems to be worse when the engine is stone cold. All contacts seem clean and ok. I
have tested the resistance of the sensor as it says in the manual and it is way over the
recommended 220 ohms - but still works!
Anyone have any ideas what could be happening? 360's are not too common down here and
I think I will have trouble finding a replacment part.
Condensation from the air con did leak onto the area recently, and then the car was not driven
for a week. Some areas of the flywheel (seen through the sensor hole look rusty - could this
have something to do with it?

[mgarageu]

it is possible to install complete ignition
system from 240 or 740 model (having distributor at left front of engine block)
or check the renix system crankshaft sensor wiring
renix system amplifier not repairable, no aftermarket items found by me yet.

[VOLVOTECHCDN]

better not try to help here. just looked up the part #
from below and in the master price index ,it's not showen , so for the info CANADA / usa
have we don't list them. i did find it on the volvo master price list on sat.
if it is an rpm sensor as with ours , sometimes they ohm out close but there sine wave output is
weak or lazy, here i use a lab scope to check the wave output.

[Julios]

Hi I used to have the same problem on my 360 GLT. The
resistance of the flywheel sensor should be 220 +/- 60 ohms. My car failed to start one
morning and I measured the resistance of that sensor and found it 0 ohms. I bought a new
sensor from Volvo with part number 3204141-0. Before I replaced it, I measured once more the
resistance of my sensor and was within the limits. I tried to crank my engine and it started, so I
did not replace it but after two days I had the same problems so I replaced the sensor and now
everything is ok. These sensors seem to fail after a period of 10 to 15 years.

[muggins]

Thanks everyone. I have managed to source the part from
Volvo Australia, it is being shipped up from Sydney tonight. Hopefully it will fix it, as in Julios'
case, because it sounds exactly the same problem. I will let you know when it is in (and
working?)
I did also manage to get a complete working Renix module and coil from a wreckers - It is the
only one in town at present so I bought it just in case ($75) - new price from Volvo was over
$1000 Australian!. Ouch! Are parts that expensive in the rest of the world?

[mgarageu]

no aftermarket available (module with vacuum
and rpm advance reg.)

[Lonewolf]

Hey muggins, good to see a fellow aussie. Parts arnt cheap
hey? my gearbox cost me $1500 when the old one died. As for getting replacement parts, I
have found it easier to either make up replacements myself or if i can make it, have the dead
part custom made. I do this for the following 2 reasons. 1- Volvos are not made for australian
climate so can be made to suit us, and second i have access to ppl and facilities to do so. I
just thought i'd mention this incase you end up with a problem they dont stock parts for, as
happened with my air filter, the replacement was a panel filter, and they had no oval ones so
ended up getting an oil base one made up. $60 through repco it was, postage included.

[Ernestas]

it is possible to install complete ignition
system from 240 or 740 model (having distributor at left front of engine block)
or check the renix system crankshaft sensor wiring
renix system amplifier not repairable, no aftermarket items found by me yet.

sorry for stupid question :]
but maybe someone can explane me what do this sensor on the crankshaft ?

how do I understand this small Renix block decide from this sensor on the crankshaft then make a spark

sorry for my english

[360GL]

how do I understand this small Renix block decide from this sensor on the crankshaft then make a spark

Yes. It is crankshaft position sensor so the Renix module "knows" when to make a spark. Ignition timing also depends on engine load and speed, this information is supplied to the renix module via the vacum tube from the intake manifold.