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Tips for buying a used 240 Turbo[850/1995] posted by Bob Mohr on
Monday, 2 March 1998, at 11:22 a.m.
I've owned a series of non turbo 240 series Volvos; leading up to the 92 Wagon currently in my garage. But I've always looked longingly at the boosted models Volvo produced in the 1980's - something about those alloy wheels......
And it was the sight of a set of those alloy wheels that made me detour down a side street last weekend for a look-see at a wagon parked off a front yard in a residential neighborhood. Spying an "intercooler" badge on the rear of the beast made me hit the brakes and hop out.
Hmmm, nice paint and leather interior, new tires. A neighbor walking by stopped and told me that the nice folks who owned it weren't home but were probably interested in selling it.
I bought my last 2 Volvos used, so I'm a little familiar with the usual pre-buy drill. I've been through the Archives and the "Buying a Used 240" website that Rob Funnekotter maintains. Is there any advice Brickboard users can offer towards identifying problem areas specific to the 1980's turbo models?
The car shows 140K on the odometer. Any idea what numbers I should expect for a compression test on this engine?
Much thanks, in advance.
Bob Mohr
92 245 B230FD
Re: Tips for buying a used 240 Turbo[850/1995] posted by Göran Haijenhjelm on
Monday, 2 March 1998, at 1:03 p.m.
Well Bob,
Since you are since long devoted to 240´s I think you´ll already know of their general weaknesses.
It also seems that you really want this brick with the intercooler badge.
Anyway, check atleast transmission, rearend (bushings..), transmission
oil leakage, if it smokes, annoying noises from that boosting beast,
plugs.
Be prepared and hide away some $$$ so you can take good care of it.
BTW, check the alloy wheels, often you can see if it has been driven by
the new Andretti merly by looking at the alloy´s.
Good luck !
BR/Göran Haijenhjelm
Re: Tips for buying a used 240 Turbo[850/1995] posted by Ed Lipe on
Monday, 2 March 1998, at 2:55 p.m.
If you'd like I'll send you the spare " intercooler" badge I've got stuck on my tool box. ED7
Re: Tips for buying a used 240 Turbo[850/1995] posted by Ted Y. on
Saturday, 7 March 1998, at 11:55 p.m.
The "240" series had intercoolers optional in late 1984, and standard in 1985. My 1985 245 has one. As far as the "intercooler" badge on the rear goes, I thought only 740's and newer displayed the "intercooler" on the rear. Let me know if I'm wrong... If I am, I will start looking for one to stick on my car!
Re: Tips for buying a used 240 Turbo[850/1995] posted by Tony Scow on
Monday, 2 March 1998, at 9:23 p.m.
I bought a 1983 244 Turbo two months ago. It has 147,000 on it and seems to have been well cared for. Check the wiring under the hood. Some of mine was brittle and had to be fixed with electrical tape to prevent problems. If you get one with a manual transmission you might want to replace the transmission mount. It affects the overdrive from working correctly. As with any Volvo check the brakes and exhaust system. Also look on the cover over the timing belt to see when the belt was last changed. I found that the mechanic had filled in the little sticker when it was replaced on both of my Volvos. I would also inspect the steering boots that protect the steering rack. The are cheap insurance against replacing an expensive steering rack.
91 745
83 244T
Re: Tips for buying a used 240 Turbo[850/1995] posted by Liz on
Friday, 6 March 1998, at 8:43 p.m.
I ALSO just bought a 244 Turbo about 2 months ago and it was driving
great. One day I gave it a home wash job and got some water under the hood. The next day, when I went to start it after work it wouldnt turn over. I left it over nite and next a.m. it started right up. Ran great for a week. Again went out to start it up Monday a.m. and it wouldnt turn over. So it sat for a
week and I just went to start it and it started up right away!!! I
noticed dark oil type substance spirting out of the tailpipe. oil was low
so I put in 1 and 1/2 bottles. What is the stuff coming out of the tailpipe
possibly? My husband thought it may have been a cold start valve malfunction.
Any idea's?? I didnt realize before but 240 Turbo's are a quite expensive to upkeep. By the way it has 198,000 miles on it. The former owners took
emaculate care of it though.
Re: Tips for buying a used 240 Turbo[850/1995] posted by Craig on
Monday, 2 March 1998, at 11:59 p.m.
Hi, Bob. Definitely go over the wiring harness with a fine toothed comb. The early 80's models had some deterioration problems due to a supply of wire that Volvo had with faulty insulation. If let go, this can cause engine fires, ruined guages, arching, etc. It tends to be the most obviously deteriorated above the valve cover and turbo near the fire wall where the wires go into the black plastic sleeve. Also, check the transmission for fluid level, leaks and ease of shifting (on automatic) especially when cold. Check overdrive to make sure it engages also. If you buy a 240 automatic, flush the trans fluid by removing the inlet line (upper one) to the transmission oil cooler on the right side of the radiator. Run the car with a clear hose off of the nipple on the cooler while adding about nine quarts type f. When the fluid gets clear, you have flushed the old stuff out. This should be done once a year, and I think it's a good way to preserve a turbo automatic transmission. -this is usually ignored. (on mine it was, and 10k miles later, I bought a new transmission).
Good luck and have fun with your turbo! -Craig