In a B230FT engine (91 740 turbo & 940 turbo wgns)if the timing belt breaks, is the valve interference (valve to piston)great enough that you won't bend any valves? I found a comment on this site that someone never changed a belt nor broken one in 35 yrs driving.
Opinions/experiences?

Interesting comment... volvo wasn't making overhead cam engines with a belt 35 years ago... but I guess 1976 is long enough ago.
The belt can break and you won't need anything more than a tow ($75?) and a new belt ($10-25 + install). Inspect the belt once a year for oil damage, and replace it at 50,000 mile increments. You'll be fine. There's a good safety factor built into the change interval, and the engine cannot hurt itself.

Now, if you had a B234 (740GLE 16V or 940GLE) that would be a different story... 35K change intervals, 2X $100 belts, significant engine damage if it breaks. $2000 engine repair bill is typical. Not kidding.
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Rob Bareiss, New London CT ::: "Roterande Fläkt Och Drivremmar!"

Doing all the work myself it cost me about $650 on my B234 after the engine lost time (the belt didn't break, that dumb oilpump pulley bolt did).... The two belts themselves are under $100...

Cliff Scott
89 DOHC 740

If it breaks on the B230F you're mechanically OK as far as the valves go. I wouldn't push my luck on the change interval as you're likely to find yourself at the mercy of Mr. Tow Hook one dark rainy night. These things, like other belts and hoses, never fail in your drive way on a nice sunny 70 degree day. I pushed my luck with a timing belt and found out the hard way.

You simply stop....valves will be fine....the B230 is a non-interference engine...good for us

Thanks, it's nice to know you can be stupid & not suffer too much