Misty is my '91 240 with 177k miles. She's in great cosmetic shape, has all the trim, map pockets are still there, and the seat heaters still work. She runs good too, except after starting it sounds like a diesel until it warms up. The engine also takes about a quart of oil between changes - it's leaking, I think near the rear main and maybe around the timing cover? The PCV valve has been replaced regularly and I've kept up with all fluid changes.

I want to keep this car going for a long while, I enjoy it so much. I don't have the skill or tools to do any engine work myself though. Is a rebuild the reasonable and logical next step to take, considering that I want to continue driving it for another 100K miles? If so, what should I expect to pay at a local shop? Will they replace (and should they) the water pump at the same time? I just need a little expert guidance and I appreciate the help!

Friend,

I have been there. I would urge you to keep the car. One suggestion would be to get the diagnosis from a mechanic, write them down, share them on this site, and let the discerning minds on this site get to work. That might help in your decision making process. Good luck. Cuddy

I think if the engine runs good I would have the leaks fixed.

Have the oil pressure and volume checked out in case it may just be a bad "O" ring on the pump or the oil leaks themselves causing low oil pressure?

If the engine has been run low on oil repeatedly. You may have lost some clearance and may get by with the large end rod and crank inserts refitted. An oil pressure and volume check was why I would give it some thought.

Jorrell is giving good advice about piston slap as far as that may be the noise until warmup issue.

You might get by with thicker viscosity oil. I prefer 20-50 but I live in a moderate climate and don't have to worry about ice box temps. For me 20w is thin enough no matter were I go. I avoid those times to take those high roads to get there sooner. Life is short enough for this one.

Doing some of the suggestions of the board, could give you space to find a nice used engine or a good reasonable rebuilder. It is always best not to be in a hurry when making these decisions. You could invest in yourself along with the tools and surprise yourself at what you could learn to do also!

Good luck

Phil

So long as the car isn't burning oil, I'd just replace the seals (front and rear) and keep driving it.

The oil at the timing cover makes sense, as that's where 3 of the engine seals are. You could replace them and the water pump at the same time (as the timing belt has to come off for both).

I've owned multiple 240s with 400K+ miles on the engine. I'd say yours has some life left it in.

Properly cared for, any 240 can reach 300K miles before a rebuild should be needed.

You didn't say if this was an automatic or a manual transmission car. If it's a stick, the clutch might need to be replaced (as it might be contaminated from a leaky rear seal.)
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http://dylans122.blogspot.com

Keep an eye on the oil level and continue to drive it. Maybe there is a 240 Volvo fan in your area that can listen to the engine and give an opinion.
Dan

I have a 92 that is fairly nice with the same problem.It is currently for sale.I have searched for engines and have found a couple of low milage ones for between $290 and $450.These were motors with 67000 to 72000 miles on them.I do not have the time ,space, or all the tools to do this job myself,hence the sale of the car.If you want to try and save some money first go to car-parts.com and search for an engine.Then look around your area for someone to install the motor for you.You could also try your local craigslist and search for volvo parts.That is how I found the low milage engines.If all else fails drive your car the way it is for another 50,000 miles then do a swap.All you have is time.Good luck.

Although you may not have the time, skill or tools, sell one with issues does not get a good price and you could buy into other unknown issues. I'm looking for a cheap fixer upper for my friend son. I was looking for a engine also a few year ago. My kids had driven it for a number of year and they hated it and it leaked oil but it was not in my drive. I drove it 175 and it was down 1.5 qts. and I need an engine. Look at the back and oil all over the bumper. Ran a compression check and it right where it as always been 204 psi. I fixed my leak. Greg

Cory,

If you take your car to a shop to have the engine removed, rebuilt, and reinstalled there is no way you will get away for less than $4K. The nasty knocking noises you are hearing when cold is piston slap (although annoying it is NOT fatal), oversized pistons are $500 minimum by themselves.

An alternate would be to find a rebuilt B230F from a rebuilder (internet search), it would cost you roughly $1500 to $2000 for the engine itself and add the labor for the engine swap for roughly $1000.


jorrell
ps. I have rebuilt them three times and I NEVER got away for less than $2K in engine parts and machining... that was with me doing the engine removal and install along with reassembling the engine myself.


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92 245 250K miles, IPD'd to the hilt, 06 XC70, 00 Eclipse custom Turbo setup...currently taking names and kicking reputations!