Hi all,

I am looking to get into the older Volvo game as an extra car.

I found a 1991 240DL with 117,000 miles on it. According to the owner, the car is super clean and only needs a muffler as there's a small crack in it and it is raspy.

I have seen debates elsewhere regarding the B230F engine being interference or non-interference. So, for this 92 240DL, would the engine be an interference engine, or a non-interference engine?

Also, what else should I look for in this car to be sure of the purchase?

The car is completely original with no modifications. It's just going to be a simple daily driver!

Thanks!

 

from what I've found, the B20, B21, B23, and B230 engines are non-interference engines,but you should still considering replacing the timing belt when you get the car. When I used to buy used cars on a regular basis, I'd always baseline the "tune up" parts - new plugs/wires/cap/rotor, drive (fan) belts, thermostat etc, particularly if you don't have a maintenance history for the car. You should also consider doing the water pump when you do the timing belt - most timing belts should be changed at 75K-100K miles or 7-10 years, so if its never been done on this car you are way past due. Get that all out of the way and enjoy a rugged, reliable car.

 

find out when the fluids were last changed, if its been more than 2-3 years, you'll want to change the oil+filter, and flush the brake fluid, transmission fluid (dex/merc III), and radiator coolant (zerex g05) ASAP. very low mileage cars are often 'garage queens' and didn't get regular service.

and yes, these are non-interference engines, but a broken timing belt on the road means a walk and/or a tow... recommended timing belt interval is 60K miles, and volvo recommended the water pump every other timing b elt (eg, 120k miles).