Leasons learned on reviving B20E engine
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Leasons learned on reviving B20E engine
Hi
This post is to share observations I have made about reviving the B20E engine in my 71 P1800 that sat for 20 years and how this might help others that have posted about issues with their engines running fine for the first 30 minutes and then running really badly.
I found that initially the engine ran great. But after stopping or driving 30 minutes or more that the engine experience lag and sputtered. I thought I had vapor lock and other issues. But none of this turned out to be the case. Finally, I decided that my 35 amp alternator either wasn't putting out enough current and or my voltage regulator wasn't working. This was proven true by my battery eventually draining. I installed a voltage gauge and quickly discovered that I wasn't getting 13 volts or move out of the charging system. The alternator seemed fine, engine. Since my car has AC, I decided to bite the bullet and invest a three hundred bucks into a new 55 amp alternator and a new voltage regulator (both from IPD).The alternator bolts right on. I started getting 13-14 V of charging and the battery no longer drains. Best of all, all of my engine issues disappeared. My conclusion is that the the B20E engines clearly can't run off the battery. I suspect that a low voltage messes with the D-jet electronics. Now, the engine starts right up, doesn't lag or sputter no matter how many times I stop and turn the motor off or how long I drive it.
My recommendation for bringing a long sitting B20E Volvo is:
1. Installing a voltage gauge in the cabin.
2. Upgrade to a 55 amp alternator and a new voltage regulator. The 35 amp alternator is totally inadequate.
Doing these two things will insure you have a good charging system that can be excluded when troubleshooting the engine.
Also, if the vehicle has sat for years and years, replace the gas pressure regulator. Mine worked for a bit and then crapped out. If it leaks a little gas, it is shot.
Note, I am a self taught car enthusiast. So, maybe all of what I have written is way obvious to those more experienced or trained than me. Respectfully, you aren't the intended audience for this post.
I hope this helps.
Cheers
Dave
This post is to share observations I have made about reviving the B20E engine in my 71 P1800 that sat for 20 years and how this might help others that have posted about issues with their engines running fine for the first 30 minutes and then running really badly.
I found that initially the engine ran great. But after stopping or driving 30 minutes or more that the engine experience lag and sputtered. I thought I had vapor lock and other issues. But none of this turned out to be the case. Finally, I decided that my 35 amp alternator either wasn't putting out enough current and or my voltage regulator wasn't working. This was proven true by my battery eventually draining. I installed a voltage gauge and quickly discovered that I wasn't getting 13 volts or move out of the charging system. The alternator seemed fine, engine. Since my car has AC, I decided to bite the bullet and invest a three hundred bucks into a new 55 amp alternator and a new voltage regulator (both from IPD).The alternator bolts right on. I started getting 13-14 V of charging and the battery no longer drains. Best of all, all of my engine issues disappeared. My conclusion is that the the B20E engines clearly can't run off the battery. I suspect that a low voltage messes with the D-jet electronics. Now, the engine starts right up, doesn't lag or sputter no matter how many times I stop and turn the motor off or how long I drive it.
My recommendation for bringing a long sitting B20E Volvo is:
1. Installing a voltage gauge in the cabin.
2. Upgrade to a 55 amp alternator and a new voltage regulator. The 35 amp alternator is totally inadequate.
Doing these two things will insure you have a good charging system that can be excluded when troubleshooting the engine.
Also, if the vehicle has sat for years and years, replace the gas pressure regulator. Mine worked for a bit and then crapped out. If it leaks a little gas, it is shot.
Note, I am a self taught car enthusiast. So, maybe all of what I have written is way obvious to those more experienced or trained than me. Respectfully, you aren't the intended audience for this post.
I hope this helps.
Cheers
Dave
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