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1970's & '80s Volvos

220 messages,  Last post on Jan 07, 2008 at 11:20 AM

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What is this discussion about? Volvo 240, Sedan

Messages Page 20 of 22

#191 of 220 1968 volvo B18B engine by blackdayz

Apr 17, 2007 (4:57 pm)

I know this group is for newer models, but I was wondering if anyone can tell me if a 1968 volvo B18B engine is internally or externally balanced?

#192 of 220 Re: 1968 volvo B18B engine [blackdayz] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Apr 17, 2007 (6:22 pm)

Replying to: blackdayz (Apr 17, 2007 4:57 pm)
Just look for counterweights on the flywheel or harmonic balancer if you have external balancing. If you don't see any, then it's internally balanced.
 
If it's external, those parts will have to be on the crankshaft if you are balancing the engine dynamically.
 
Of course unless you are racing, all this may not matter so much...

#193 of 220 Re: 1968 volvo B18B engine [blackdayz] by amazon

Jul 07, 2007 (6:44 pm)

Replying to: blackdayz (Apr 17, 2007 4:57 pm)
It's internally balanced.

#194 of 220 Brake lights by fuddle

Jul 24, 2007 (4:29 pm)

Hello. I have an '86 Volvo 240DL, and the brake lights won't work. The normal back lights and the turn signals work fine, however. I have replaced the fuses and the bulbs, but the brake lights just won't work. Does anyone have any idea what it is? I was told by someone it could be the brake switch. If that's it, is it something I can do myself? If not, how much surgery would be required by a mechanic to fix it and how much might it cost? Thank you.

#195 of 220 Re: Brake lights [fuddle] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Jul 24, 2007 (5:04 pm)

Replying to: fuddle (Jul 24, 2007 4:29 pm)
If I recall it's pretty easy. I believe that switch is on the master cylinder, a small silver cylinder with wires coming out of it. It's a ten minute job and probably a $10 part...oh wait...Volvo....a $20 part.
 
If the switch isn't there, then it's under the brake pedal...a little push button thing. Sorry I'm not sure but I sometimes get my old Volvos mixed up. I think it's a hydaulic switch on the master cylinder though, under the hood, just in front of the steering wheel area.

#196 of 220 concerning an old 83 by sdawg

Aug 02, 2007 (7:59 pm)

I am totally new to the Volvo scene, but I noticed an 83 242DL for sale as I was driving home from work. I am quite interested in it. How much is one worth if it is in great shape? The body looks good and the engine has only 109000 miles, along with a lot of recent work done on the suspension and clutch. (its a 5 spd)Also, what it the approximate gas mileage on one of these tanks?

#197 of 220 Re: concerning an old 83 [sdawg] by 210delray

Aug 02, 2007 (8:32 pm)

Replying to: sdawg (Aug 02, 2007 7:59 pm)
Having owned a 1980 242DL for 21 years (1982-2003), I can tell you they're great cars. Shifty though will disagree!
 
But I'd be very leery of buying one that old now, unless you obtain a long, well-documented maintenance history and have the car checked out by a knowledgeable mechanic. These cars are notorious for rust, especially right behind the rear wheels, and I've no doubt you'll find oil leaks if the car is put on a lift. Plus the suspension bushings front and rear are likely to be shot, unless they were part of the recent suspension work. Coolant leakage from the water pump gasket is a chronic problem, and exhaust systems seem to have a short life also, aft of the catalytic converter. Another problem is that the front seat cushion supports (wire and a wicker-like material) deteriorate over time so it's like sitting in a tub.
 
Gas mileage is pretty awful by today's standards for a slow 4-cylinder: 20 mpg in the city if you're not stuck in heavy traffic and no better than the upper 20s on the highway (manual tranny).
 
I'd say you shouldn't pay more than about $1500 tops.

#198 of 220 Re: concerning an old 83 [210delray] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Aug 03, 2007 (8:34 am)

Replying to: 210delray (Aug 02, 2007 8:32 pm)
I think you and I are right on the same page about old 240s. I don't think they are BAD cars at all. My major complaint with them is that they are clumsy and boring to drive, but that of course is because of my particular tastes, not a fault of the car itself.
 
Definitely the exhaust systems are prone to failure, the rear swing arm suspension bushings and the usual pieces of interior falling off everywhere.
 
Old Volvos are sturdy cars but their interior build quality and paintwork is really bad. It's hard to keep these cars from looking like piles of junk--you have to work at it.The Volvo leather is particularly low grade.
 
So if you find a clean one inside and out, that's worth paying extra for (to a point).
 
I also agree, 18-22 mpg, perhaps a little better on the highway with overdrive transmission option.
 
Certainly I'd choose an old Volvo 240 over the equivalent year BMW or Benz or Sasab in terms of reliability and maintenance. And they are comfortable and roomy besides.
 
Problem is finding one that isn't all clapped out with too many miles on it.

#199 of 220 240s - Boring but... by hpmctorque

Aug 03, 2007 (2:41 pm)

Although I didn't like them when they were new, or dislike them for that matter, I like them now. Boring can have different meanings for me, as in "boring, but with character", or just "boring, without character." It's hard to explain te difference but, for me, the DL/GL240 falls into the former category, and hence its appeal, while a '90s Buick Century or an Achieva (4 door, in particular, because the coupe, at least, looks kind of interesting) exemplifies the latter.

#200 of 220 Re: 240s - Boring but... [hpmctorque] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Aug 03, 2007 (3:11 pm)

Replying to: hpmctorque (Aug 03, 2007 2:41 pm)
Boring with character sounds like a contradiction to me. I suppose you could steer one into a tree or slam it in reverse at 60 mph to pick up the pace, but otherwise I couldn't think of anything resembling excitement in a Volvo 240.

Messages Page 20 of 22

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