Not to be a traitor.. but what about a volvo diesel?

[my126benz]

What do u guys think of the volvo diesels form the 1980's? Does anyone know how to idenify a volvo diesel from the markings on a car? Thanks.

[rg2098]

I've looked at quite a few around here. I like them!

[didget69]

Identification? They have a diesel logo on back...

I believe (but not 100% confirmed) that Volvo was using diesels produced by Volkswagen in their diesel-powered 7XX-9XX series cars.

One source of some info:
http://www.swedishbricks.net/700900FAQ/Engine-Diesel1.html#Engine:%20Diesel

HTH,
BNC

[my126benz]

Thanks for the info

They are known to be big smokers if anything is out of tune/you drive them rough

Not a problem for me...I love diesel smoke...but for some its an issue.

[Hatterasguy]

I have not heard all that much good about them, I think the gas engines are better.

I was told by one diesel enthusiast than when it comes to Volvo diesels, "run hard and run fast". I believe that much his opinion was that they used timing belts, but then so does VW. Perhaps the Volvo version was not as durable.

[Biodiesel300TD]

When I was looking into diesel. I posted a question on brickboard.com, which is a volvo enthusiest forum. They told me "don't walk, run away from them". Thats just what I was told. I don't know anyone with one. And have never talked to anyone with one.

[1983/300CD]

Just look for the one wearing the "assistant manager" tie. At least that's what the grill reminds me of.

[Volvo Diesel]

I love mine; BUT they typically weren't well cared for and lack of maintenance is really terrible for the 2.4 litre I-6 motor; they are indeed, as previously mentioned, a Volkswagen engine (it is the same as the 4 cyl diesel used in Rabbits, w/ 2 extra cyl). You will have to find someone who is willing to work on it, which is difficult: dealers won't touch them, and neither will most indy shops. They have a terrible reputation, mainly for 2 reasons: they have aluminum heads, which are easy to warp if you overheat the engine, and they use timing belts which you MUST change every 70-75k miles, b/c if they break, you've demolished the upper end of the motor.

Aside from the above, I think they are great cars; with the A/C off, I get 29-31 miles per gallon around town; I have gotten as high as 41 on the highway, and these are big cars. However, the interior finish is not as high a quality as M-B, and there is slightly more wind/road noise in cabin. I drive mine everyday, and just recently got the head reworked after 390,000 miles; however, I've probably spent almost $10,000 over the 8 years I've owned it.

Bottom line (my $0.02)--if you want something unique to tinker with, they're fun cars. If you want a daily driver that any indy is going to be happy to repair in a day for you, stick w/ M-B.

As for ID; right side of trunk lid will say DIESEL. Also, there is a small plate on the upper left side of the grille that says the same. Also look for a HUGE cloud of smoke coming from rear of car at a stoplight, that's a sure sign it's a Volvo diesel!

-Chris

Originally Posted by Volvo Diesel

and they use timing belts which you MUST change every 70-75k miles, b/c if they break, you've demolished the upper end of the motor.

Not just one *belt*, but TWO. One on the front from the crank to the cam, and the second on the other end of the cam to drive the IP.

"run hard and run fast" is the right motto for those engines. The back end of the engine (The camshaft I believe) does not get lubed well when the engine is cold cold and will wear out quickly if they are driven like grandma is at the wheel.

[rwthomas1]

What I have read online is the "stretched" VW 4cyl to 6cyl leaves part of the camshaft a bit starved for lubrication so they have a tendency to wipe out top ends. Since the VW doesn't have this problem I have often thought that this could possibly be remedied by tapping into a pressure feed on the block and running an external line to a drilled/tapped port in the oil gallery on the troublesome end of the head. Should cure the problem. That and good synthetic lube that would flow well and quickly to keep things turning. This type of thing is common in the hotrod world and we already have external oil lines to things like turbochargers so it should work fine. Diesel Volvo wagons might be easier and cheaper to find than MB wagons..... RT

[punkinfair]

Originally Posted by rwthomas1

What I have read online is the "stretched" VW 4cyl to 6cyl leaves part of the camshaft a bit starved for lubrication so they have a tendency to wipe out top ends.

this is true.

i replaced our 1982 245 wagon with our current 87 300 tdt, so i know a bit about both. i also drove volvo 240 wagons for over 15 years until we got our current ride.

i absolutely LOVED the volvo diesel we had. i had 4 240 volvo wagons and it was by far the best of them all. we bought in 99 and it quickly suffered from low compression. the car was in very good condition overall so i had the engine rebuilt by a VW diesel specialist. the top end was wasted and the engine had only 78k miles. the valves and guides were completely worn out, i have never seen such wear on valve stems before and neither had the engine builder who has extensive experience with the VW diesels that are related to the vovlo.

once the engine was rebuilt, the car was unimproveable. it was everything you could want in a wagon, strudy, good brakes, comfortable leather seats, 3rd seat on the back, easy to maintain, ready parts supply. the engine may have flaws, but it is still a very good power unit with lots of torque, very good for towing, which we did a lot of.

the only car i have enjoyed more for a daily car is our 87 300 TDT. it makes the volvo seem like a bit of a snail and it is much quieter. the ride of the two vehicles can't be compared, especially with the live rear axle of the volvo versus the multi-link of the benz. any mercedes would be a better vehicle in most cases, but the volvo had much to appreciate. they are very rare, but if you find one with a good body, i would never say run away.

[t walgamuth]

but i had one of the infamous 265 s with the renault v6. i had good luck with it and changed the oil every 2000 i think it was cause i heard they had lube problems with the cams. i bet if you did the same with the diesels they would last too. perhaps every 3k would be enough.

i never liked the volvos much after going back to benzes but my dad loved them and thought they were a lot easier to work on than anything else. and they are simpler than a benz. dad had four 240 wagons i think.

tom w