Years ago I broke a timing belt in my first 240 which had a B20E engine, and there was no damage.

I have recently bought an '87 240 auto GL sedan, and am currently replacing all vitals that might be getting old.

I've been reading some contradictory posts about broken timing belts and damaged heads. My Haynes book says the B230 engine will be damaged if the timing belt breaks. Can anybody with first hand knowledge confirm that? I'm replacing the timing belt if it looks a bit old, but it is something I would like to clear up. My engine is the B230F.

By the way, the "rope trick" post I read is brilliant. I'm going to try it.

Regards

Alan

 

I read the same thing I believe on ALLDATA, but after talking with several Volvo mechanics, this is not the case with the B230 engine. It is a non-interference engine of which means if the timing belt breaks, your stranded on the side of the road with an engine in need of a new belt instead of a car in need of a new engine!! Hope this helps,

Dale

 

From what I understand and have been told unless you are doing 100 MPH and it breaks you will always be fine.

 

AFAIK, of the four cylinder engines, only the 16-valve engine is an interference engine, that would be the B234 series. It's one reason why I would never own one. I can't vouch for the six cylinder either, since I would never buy one of those, either.

Your B230 will be fine. If you opt not to do the replacement at 50k, at least make sure you keep an extra timing belt in the trunk, just in case.

 

BTDT twice on my 86 740. When I bought the belt, the computer screen came up that the belt was for an interference fit motor, but both times I haven't bent any valves. The second time was going slow and I just sheared a few cogs off of the belt and slipped time, but the first time was at 75mph and completely broke. If they are interference fit it's not very close tolerances.