I have a 1987 244DL with a B230F engine and my timing belt broke while driving. I've read that that particular engine is an interference engine. Is that true, and if so what am I up against? I have a feeling it might be bad...

 

On yours just put on a new belt and drive it away.

 

meaning that it is not an interference engine
so a new timing belt
and all should be well

 

Once upon a time, shortly after I got my 1990 Volvo Wagon (same engine as yours), I tried to start it up, no go. The timing belt had broken had it towed and replaced. That's all it took, the engine was unharmed. You might consider a water pump, along with the tensioner while the belt is being replaced. I change the water pump with each belt change. Good Luck

 

Thank you! That is good news.. I have a new belt and everything ready to go. Do i risk damaging the engine if i rotate the crankshaft to line up the timing marks? And how exactly do I do that?

 

you can not hurt anything, because it is non interference
the crankshaft turns twice for each turn of the camshaft
so you need to get the #1 on compression, and then
the only other trick is finding the marks on each pulley
getting them lined up, and belt on.
then if you rotate the crank around twice ( plugs out )
the marks should line up again
you will likely need a picture or a manual to figure it out
and if you have no compression after, you are likely 180 deg.out
Les

 

Thanks.. got it right. Changed and back in business.

 

Volvo did make interference pistons but only for their pushrod engines, which have counter-rotating camshafts so there are only two timing gear, neither of which are likely to fail in the engine's lifetime.