Indestructible, the saab B series engine...

[justinc]

Some here know we work on lots of non lr vehicles too, saab, volvo, subaru, etc etc. recently had a 9000 turbo saab turn up, fans going, smelling hot... Heater core leaking. Engine oil was fairly bubbling on the dipstick, hasn't been oil changed for 26,000 km, either. New heater core, flush filthy cooling system, full service and good as new. These engines, B202 (2 litre), B234t (2.3 litre)etc have some of the hardest valve seats and valves known to mankind, have had heads of them at 450k, and bear in mind these are turbocharged engines, and almost no valve recession, or guide wear. Bores usually are still as new, too. The volvo B series engines are also like this. Have seen many a neglected boiled dry tapping 2.3 240 series volvo here, revived it and sent on its merry way..

I would say they are the 4bd1 of european 4 cyl petrol engines! :-)


Jc

[isuzurover]

They are a nice engine. I still managed to hole a piston on one though. Fortunately it was before i had to replace a v-belt. Rather you than me working on them...

[Geedublya]

My Wife had a 240 Volvo 2.3 litre that split the radiator tank and dumped the coolant, she of course didn't know anything was wrong until it stopped (heat seized) at a roundabout. I replaced the radiator added new coolant and she drove it for another 2 years without an issue.

[justinc]

Forgot about another 'near death experience' , a 1995 900s 2.3 arrived for its scheduled service 2 years and 30,000km late..... Tapping valve gear and 'down on performance'. I kid you not that I drained about 500 ml of oil from the sump... :-P . After a filter and fresh oil it took 2 test drives and an hour of running to shut the valve train up. That vehicle is still going well a year later...


Jc

[Graeme]

The valves don't fair too well when the timing chain breaks...

My son bought a sedan to fit the engine from his rolled 2.3 Aero.