1988 Volvo 240 GL Oil Filter Removal

I don't know about that specific vehicle, I assume it is a small 4 or even 3 cyl engine, but as a general rule, although there are exceptions, oil pumps are mounted inside bottom of engine, covered by oil pan/sump.Usually involves sump pan removal to access..
Sometimes oil pan removal is fairly easy on small East-west front-drives..but again, I don't know this particular model of which you speak..some inexperienced people have been known to confuse the oil filter with the oil pump.Usually the oil filter is external very easy access and removal, oil pump is internal.

If you want to keep the engine in good condition and minimize wear:

Change the engine oil at least every 3000 - 3500 miles (5000 - 5700 kms) or every 6 months whichever comes around first.

The oil filter should be changed every 6000 miles (10000 kms) or every year whichever comes around first. Essentially on at least every 2nd oil change. ( The filter can be changed at every engine oil change if you wish as to do so ensures that there is very little used oil left in the lubrication system at change over time).

Use only the oil grade /spec as specified by Volvo for the engine fitted to the car.

Oil filter is provided by year,make, model of your vehicle at the parts store. ---
Oil and fluids Oil quality
Engine oil must meet the minimum ILSAC specification GF-2, including ACEA A1, API SJ, SJ/CF and SJ/Energy Conserving.
Your Volvo has been certified to standards using ILSAC oil specification GF-2 5W-30. Volvo recommends use of oil with a quality rating equal to or higher than ILSAC GF-2. Equivalent and better oils include ACEA A1, API SJ, SJ/CF, and SJ/Energy conserving. Lower quality oils may not offer the same fuel economy, engine performance, or engine protection.
Volvo Cars recommends Castrol. Depending on your driving habits, premium or synthetic oils may provide superior fuel economy and engine protection. Consult your Volvo retailer for recommendations on premium or synthetic oils. Oil additives must not be used. NOTE: Synthetic oil is not used when the oil is changed at the normal maintenance is carried out. This oil is only used at customer request, at additional charge. Please consult your Volvo retailer. Operation in hot climates.
When temperatures exceed 86° F (30° C) in your area, Volvo recommends, for the protection of your engine, that you use a heavier weight oil, such as SAE 10W-30. See the viscosity chart below. Oil viscosity (stable ambient temperatures)
Operation in temperate climates
Incorrect viscosity oil can shorten engine life. Under normal use when temperatures do not exceed 86° F (30° C), SAE 5W-30 will provide good fuel economy and engine protection. See the viscosity chart above. Extreme engine operation
Synthetic oils meeting SAE 10W-30 and complying with oil quality requirements are recommended for driving in areas of sustained temperature extremes (hot or cold), when towing a trailer over long distances, and for prolonged driving in mountainous areas. Changing oil and oil filter
Oil and oil filter changes should be made at 7,500 mile (12,000 km) intervals. Volvo does not recommend the use of oil additives.
Synthetic oil is not used when the oil is changed at the normal maintenance intervals except at ower request and at additional charge. Please consult your Volvo retailer.

There is a fuse up by the Battery alone in a white receptacle with red wires. It may not be blown but is corroded. Thoroughly clean it. This feeds the Fuel pump circuit.If tat is good the white fuel pump relay under the glove box may be bad.

hey
No there's no specific special tools required, you can buy oil filter removal tools which are usually a chain that is rapped around it to get grip or a claw type thing. Try to loosen it with your hand first and if that doesn't work you could use a fan belt and vice-grip's or buy a removal tool. the air filter is just a matter of flicking if a few clips.
good luck

Yeah mostly, here is a list of things to replace; plugs, wires, air filter, and fuel filter.

Volvo recommends 4 quarts of 10w-30 oil, including the filter change.

Replace engine oil and filter, air filter and fuel filter.
Drain the fuel tank and add fresh fuel.
Remove the spark plugs and put a squirt of oil in each cylinder. Remove coil lead and crank engine until oil pressure comes up.(light goes out),
replace coil lead and start engine.. it will blow smoke for first few minutes. Check trans fluid, brake fluid etc before driving. Theres a good chance the brakes will need an overhaul.

If you are disposing of old filter complete and replacing with completely new filter then drive a medium size screwdriver through the side of the body of the filter,till it pokes through the other side then turn the screwdriver to unscrew the filter.Or you can purchase a pair of vice grips with a chain head at any hardware store.