US market cars have what is called the combined unit, that which you have just experienced.

In other parts of the world 240 cars had the standard unit.

The combined unit accommodates the AC evaporator as well as the heater core.

This is just my theory but Volvo had to realize they would sell more cars in the US if air conditioning was an option or, as it came to pass, standard equipment. Not all early US cars had AC but they had the standard unit anyway, sans evaporator.

I was just looking at the greenbook description of standard unit removal for the 240. It is not as easy as I once speculated. But it still looks easier than removal of the combined unit. And get this; for the standard unit, to replace the fan motor as well as the heater core, you must remove the entire unit. Otherwise, the fan is inaccessible. So maybe we caught a break there.

I also once speculated that the 240 standard unit must have used flexible ductwork because my old '68 142S had such. But in the greenbook rigid ductwork is clearly pictured. Flexible would have been preferable for either unit, IMO.

One thing about the standard unit I like, or at least think I would like, is the directional controls are cable, not vacuum, operated.

Anyway, blame it on air conditioning.


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'80 DL 2 door, '89 DL Wagon, '15 XC70 T6