Introduction:
Volvo made the B234F - a 16 valve version of the B230F for 740GLE / 940GLE
cars from 1989 to 1993. It is a sweet engine but it does have pros
and cons, like any engineered device. See the B234F
image library for some images of this engine. See also the Volvo
Maintenance FAQ for 7xx/9xx/90 Cars under 'Engine: Seals, Belts, Crankcase
Ventilation' for some service info on this engine.
Discussion Board: Join in and let us
know about your B234F
The Canadian Volvo
Exchange - Nice forum for us Canadians. I have posted a thread in the
topic area The Skid Pad Lounge & Gallery for the B234F 16
valve engine. Do join in.
Characteristics:
- It produces almost as much peak power (153 HP) as the turbo (161 HP)
version of the B230F without the turbo lag, engine compartment heat,
maintenance cost, replacement cost, etc. of the turbo.
- The 4 valve / cylinder design tends to give an engine that likes to
rev to develop its power. Low rev torque is moderate so 'off the line'
performance is not as good as the turbo, which has a higher torque at
low rpm. But keep the revs up a bit and this is a sweet engine. Midrange
performance is nice, making for good passing and highway performance.
- It is an interference engine, like most higher performance, modern
4 valve / cylinder engines. This means that should the timing belt let
go, then the valves meet the pistons. This makes for a costly repair.
If you are handy, you can service the timing belt and the belt for the
balance shafts yourself with no special tools. Service should be done
at 80,000 km (50,000 mile) intervals without fail. While you are at
it, be sure to replace the bolt for the oil pump (it has been known
to snap) and replace any suspect sprockets. The bottom sprocket was
originally made of plastic on some early models. Be sure to replace
it with a metal one because the plastic one has been known to fail in
very cold weather. The parts are not exactly cheap but this is one place
that you don't want to try to save pennies.
- This engine has two balance shafts to smooth out the engine. These
shafts are driven by a single belt which should be replaced at 80,000
km (50,000 mile) intervals without fail. If this belt breaks, it could
take out the timing belt and destroy the head and pistons (see note
above on the interference nature of this engine).
Owner Registry (people who have a car with this engine
and who are willing to share tips, might have spare parts, etc):
Contact me to add
your name or modify the info provided
- under construction
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