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B23 vs. B230F 200 84

posted by  someone claiming to be JPJ on  Wed Dec 15 16:28 CST 1999 [RELATED]

What are the major differences between these two engines? Why did Volvo start using the B230F in the 240 for '85? I've heard that they are essentially the same, and then I've heard that they are essentially not alike at all. Have also heard that the B230F is made of lighter, less expensive components. My B23F had 240K on it when it died-what is the average lifespan of the B230F? The one that I dropped in has almost 150K on it, and it is still very strong (much stronger than the B23F ever was). I floored it once to get out of the way of an idiot that forgot to turn on his lights (turned out right in front of him because I didn't see him coming!) and scared the hell out of myself-I actually chirped the rear wheels in 1st gear! Couldn't do that before! :-)







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    Re: B23 vs. B230F 200 84

    posted by  someone claiming to be abe crombie on  Wed Dec 15 16:52 CST 1999 [RELATED]

    What you've heard is true. They are very much alike and at the same time very different. The cylinder bore centers are the same and head bolt pattern is identaical so the heads will interchange but the valve covers and bolt holes for t belt covers are not the same so belt cover fit is iffy. The water pumps aren't the same but the oil pumps are.

    The engine seals are the same as are intake and exhaust gaskets. No bearings (except intermediate shaft), nor rods nor crank is the same.

    The t belt is the same. The blocks are different.

    The B230 is a modernization of the engine family. The roots of this engine go back to Belinders-Monktell tractor engines of many moons ago. The B21/23 engine shares some pieces and dimensions of the B18/B20 version which shares some pieces and dimensions of the B16 which shares some pieces and dimensions of the B14. I think if you go back earlier than that you have to look in a tractor museum in Sweden.

    The changes to the RED motor to transform it from a B21/B23 into the B200/B230 are all primarily to lessen unneeded weight from earlier, wasteful foundry methods and to reduce friction primarily through lowered reciprocating mass. The B21/23 engine was mostly english dimensioned and the B200/B230 is metric. The B200/230 has two crank versions intro up to 1988 has smaller mains with half circle thrust bearing inserts on center main journal. The version after this got larger mains (63 mm replacing 55mm) with flanged main brg on rearmost crank journal to control thrust.

    I could go on but Regis just told me that was my final answer........







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      Re: B23 vs. B230F 200 84

      posted by  someone claiming to be Kent Campbell on  Fri Dec 17 03:39 CST 1999 [RELATED]

      Let me see if I've got this; Volvo went to smaller journals on their cranks sometime in the mid '80's, then went back to the 2 1/2" mains and 2 1/4" rod journals in '88. Was the later model cranks forged or cast? Will the earlier B21/B23 forged crank fit the later B230 block? Thanks,

      Kent







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        Re: B23 vs. B230F 200 84

        posted by  someone claiming to be abe crombie on  Fri Dec 17 13:27 CST 1999 [RELATED]

        The B230 rod journals are the same on early and late versions. The main journal diameter on B21/23 is 62.51mm +/- (2.50"). The mains on early B230 are an even 55mm and on later they are an even 63mm.

        The cranks are not interchangeable due to balance and dimension.

        The B230 cranks are a cast with hardened journals. The cranks seem to give just as good service as the forged units in the B21/23 version.







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    Re: B23 vs. B230F 200 84

    posted by  someone claiming to be dick on  Wed Dec 15 16:50 CST 1999 [RELATED]

    The early B230 engines were designed for "low friction" meaning they skimped on bearings and reduced size of rotating components. In a na car these engines seem to do well, at least the couple I have, but the turbo places more stresses and causes the engines to wear out more easily. The later 230s are sig better with nearly all bottom components similar to the 23.

    Turbobricks has a good review of the various engines and perhaps there is a review in Steve Ringlees FAQ in this site. 200 and 700s used basically the same engine so info crosses over nicely.

    dick






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