I've adjusted valves on many a B18 & B20 but never on a B21 or B23 so I could use any tips an "oldvolvoguy" could benefit from. I'm about to embark on a cross country trip and think my 940 could run a little quieter with a valve adjustment.

 

The valves on the B230 are adjusted by measuring clearances and shimming to correct them. You can get the valve adjustment tool and shim kit from IPD (The Volvo Parts, Accessories and Performance Specialists Since 1963). They will charge you something like $250 for the shim kit of which you get a refund when you return it minus the shims you used. I think you can even find the procedure on their web site.

 

note: none of my volvos b230's have ever needed a shim change in a half million plus miles of driving them.

 

Unless you hear the tap-tap-tap I wouldn't mess with them!
If you do need an adjustment, it would be one or two shims max. Take off the valve cover, measure the gaps, do the calculations, order the one or two shims you need, replace them, and done. No need for anything more involved or expensive.

 

lev, catch-22 with that approach is, either your car is down til you get the new shims in, or you get to re-seal the valve cover twice, using two valve cover gaskets.

 

So gentlemen, I'm suspecting that I may be planning an un-necessesary pre-flight inspection? This engine has 205k on it and it's in good condition, just hearing those "noises that you'd like to not hear?"

 

Pierce, hmm, no. You can source the shims locally in most cases, so special order is not really necessary unless you live in the sticks somewhere... And, no you don't need to change the valve cover gasket every single time you take the cover off... It may seep a little, so what?

See, that's the difference between actually doing the work, and reading about it...

 

I should stick with electrical stuff I understand

 

350K on our 89 740 and I have never had to re-shim any valves. Check them at 75K and all OK. The noise from the piston slap would cover any valve noise.

 

Mine just turned 250k and I have never checked valve clearances, but then again there really hasn't been a need to.

 

I aint gonna type it all out. Check em all first and report back. Use a new gasket. Oil leaks can cause fires.

If you hear clacking, you can try putting in new hushers. They live under the buckets. I adjust valves with NO hushers, then install them all. I also just pull the cam instead of using special tools or tricks to depress the buckets to pop the shims.

Later.

 

Do you adjust warm or cold? And what gap? Thanks

 

It's on the internet and also on the sticker under your hood.

Ok fine I will be nicer and add more info. Don't have the number memorized, but it's NOT hard to find out using the web or looking at sticker. All I have to add is that I personally pull the cam, pull the buckets, pull whatever is left of the hushers, reinstall cam, set lash, pull cam, THEN install new hushers. OEM only but $$$. Aftermarket ones are garbage.

 

Followed your approach, pulled cam and didn't need the special tool. Very easy. Thanks

 

Makes me feel good I could help! I am sure you feel good about fixing your car. I always enjoy the feeling of starting with broken, then ending with fixed! Always a rewarding feeling.