I recently ordered a header pipe: Starla 12236, from eEuroparts only to have them cancel my order because the item is no longer available. I have searched Google for alternative sources without success. This AM I called eEuroparts and confirmed that this lack of availability appears to be a long-term situation. Can anyone suggest a source from which I can obtain a new header pipe?

What are the alternatives if no new pipe can be found?

Thank you very much!

Best wishes,

Jim

 

the junkyard is about your only choice on something like that, or a car being parted out, perhaps on craigslist. Its that or maybe trying to adapt a whole manifold+header pipe from a newer model. an 82, is that a B21 or B23 or B230 engine?

 

I'm quite certain that it is B21 engine, but I'll check the owner's manual to be certain. If it is a B21, what newer model header pipe would be most adaptable and what would be involved in the adaptation? Thanks very much for your assistance!

 

that I can't tell you. but the knowledge of the engine will help those who might know.

the B21 was the first of the OHC 'red blocks' (the previous B17-B20 engines were pushrod and fairly different), so its even possible a B230F exhaust manifold from a 1990s vintage 240/740/940 would fit, these are far more readily available in good condition, especially away from the rust belt. you might need to get the matching downpipe and modify the muffler mount and exhaust a bit to make it fit.

oh. when you say 'header pipe', do you mean the cast iron exhaust manifold with its 4 ports to the engine head, or the downpipe that connects that manifold to the rest of the exhaust system?

 

I checked the owner's manual that came with the vehicle. Of the 4 engine types then offered, the B21F is the one installed in my Volvo.

By header pipe, I mean the downpipe that connects the exhaust manifold to the rest of the exhaust system.

My Volvo spent its time in service in the Denver, Colorado area, until I brought it to Upstate NY in 2005. I do not drive it much and have kept it off the road during the Winter to avoid contamination with road salt. It was very well maintained before I got it and I intend to continue to treat it well.

I would prefer to install a new header pipe to go with the other new exhaust parts that I have ready to install, however, I am prepared to accept a reasonable alternative. All suggestions from knowable readers welcome! Thank you!

 

a good muffler shop might be able to fabricate that downpipe.

hmm. parts diagram shows it as a double pipe? so the manifold is 4 into 2, then the downpipe is 2 into 1 at the cat.

looks liek there's 2 versions, volvo PN 1346072 and 1219037... wait, ok, first one is canadian. 2nd one is USA on a wagon up to chassis number 368309

wow. Tasca still has it listed as available?!? $80 even!!!
Volvo Parts - TascaParts.com

(apparently it fits as late as a 1985 240 turbo (B21FT).

 

The parts diagram is correct: 4 into 2, then the downpipe is 2 into 1 at the cat. I just checked what I presume to be the chassis number, though it is not labeled as such: 391296. Incidentally, these 6 digits also correspond to the last 6 digits of the VIN.

Since the chassis number of my vehicle is greater than 368309, I assume that the downpipe available from Tasca would not fit my vehicle. You are amazing, Pierce! Where do we go now from where we are?

 

I'd go to a junk yard that has several 240 and get a pipe for $10...

 

ah, digging deeper into the somewhat cryptic parts catalog for the 82, ther'es a different PN for USA market 245 chassis 368310- ... thats 1306834, which tasca lists for $106 but doesn't list any applications
Volvo Parts - TascaParts.com

re: junkyard pipes, I'm pretty sure these parts are NOT the same as the ones you'll find on later cars which are going to be available in higher numbers. for sure, 85+ with the B230F engine use different downpipe part numbers. I dunno what the differences are.

 

Thanks for the suggestions. Junk yards in Upstate NY with several 240s are going to be few and far between. I'll give Tasca a call and report my findings. Many thanks for the great research and suggestions!

 

You might note, Tascaparts is back room internet operation at a large multi-brand car dealer. customer service is not their forte, selling OEM parts at a substantial discount is.

 

My failure to connect with a person to confirm application after 2 calls has caused me to become suspicious of Tasca. Your clarifying comment probably explains my phone experience, Pierce. How certain are you that Tasca header pipe 1306834 would be the right one for my 245? Do you know how I can connect with a person at Tasca? I am not about to undertake replacement with the temperature at 10 degrees and with a foot of snow on the ground with more to come, so there is no rush about procurement. I think it best to defer purchase until I am able to change the pipes. That way, if the pipe is not right, I can send it back.

 

you could go to any Volvo dealer parts counter and ask that same question, but their price would be 30-40% higher.

another dealer selling internet discount parts is Volvo Parts - Authentic OEM Volvo Parts direct from Volvo Parts Webstore | VolvoPartsWebstore.com, they have a better online catalog too, but they don't have indexes on cars older than the 940 (if you know the part number, you can find the part, but you can't browse for them). this operation is run by Volvo of Oak Park (a suburb of Chicago). Their discount isn't as good as Tasca's but their customer service is better.

your part is #4 on this drawing,
Exhaust system exc B21F (jp). Fits: Volvo | VolvoPartsWebstore.com

but I see there's several #4's listed there, you have to go by your chassis number.



oh, you probably want to get the gaskets too, #9 and #12

 

I just posted a lengthy reply after having logged in only to have it disappear in cyber space because I became somehow apparently logged out!

To recap briefly, after reading Pierce's last post, I checked eEuroparts ad for the Starla 12236 header pipe and discovered that the Volvo OE # is 1306834; exactly what you recommended, Pierce! I have also checked the Volvo Parts Web Store and confirmed that this is the correct part # for my 245 with chassis # 391296.

The exhaust pipe that fits my 245 is #2, the lower one in the parts diagram above. It attaches to the cat shown in detail #5 in the above parts diagram. I have gasket #9 and must order #12.

These multiple confirmations of the part number reassure me of their correctness, so I shall proceed to attempt to order from Tasca.

Pierce, thank you so much for not giving up on this old Dunce! It has been a delight to have been led to comprehension by such an omniscient and masterful Teacher! Thank you! I'll file progress reports as developments warrant.

 

Update: I ordered header pipe #1306834 from Tasca and received the following message:

TascaParts.com
To Me


Dec 18


Order Number: 31160068
Hi James, There seems to be a problem with the vin number that you have supplied. Please verify that all digits are correct so that we can properly check to make sure that this part will fit your vehicle. Kind Regards, Krystal

I promptly provided the requested VIN from a proof of insurance form and then sent a confirmation of that number when I gained access to the vehicle. I have heard nothing further from Tasca. I'm in no hurry!

 

Today the header pipe arrived in a 48" x 24" x 18" box mostly full of paper. I was billed $106.35 for the pipe and $13.00 UPS shipping from RI to Western NY. I'm very pleased to have all the parts that I need for a new exhaust system!

Many thanks to all who offered suggestions, especially Pierce, who performed masterfully and did a prodigious amount of reseach to help me achieve mu objective!