1989 Volvo 240, 245 low power, low mpg - need advice

Discussion in 'Volvo 240' started by L.J. :), Jan 16, 2007.

  1. L.J. :)

    L.J. :) Guest

    We need some advise. We have an '89 Volvo 240 with a B230F engine,
    non-turbo, non-carburated. So far we have cleaned the air filter,
    intake tubes, butterfly valve and manifold. We have replaced the mass
    air meter, catalytic converter and oxygen sensor. We have checked the
    temp sensor and the timing. The car now runs, idles, but lacks power.
    Our gas mileage as measured is 14-15 mpg as measured from Oct-Dec. We
    have not yet done a fuel pressure check, fuel injector check/cleaning.
    It has been recommended to us by Volvo mechanics not to hope for much
    improvement in mileage through shimming the valves (OHC). We are still
    shooting for 22mpg as this is what they reportedly get. Any words of
    wisdom for the most improvement in efficiency for the least amount of
    parts and labor? Thanks LJ :)
     
    L.J. :), Jan 16, 2007
    #1
  2. L.J. :)

    Your name Guest

    @q2g2000cwa.googlegroups.com:

    Flame trap replace, check tubes connected to it as well (especially small
    one that goes to the intake manifold)...

    Replace spark plugs, distributor cap, etc...

    Throttle body clean, make sure the idle switch is working...

    Constant idle speed motor is also easy to clean...

    Use good gasoline...

    You could always do a search on Volvo 240 forums for "Seafoam", or a
    Google search, and give that a try... I have yet to try it, so I don't
    know if it is as good as most people say it is.

    I get 16-18 city and 24-26 highway, so mine is not that great either, but
    then again I drive like a maniac in NYC which requires some pedal to the
    medal so to speak.
     
    Your name, Jan 16, 2007
    #2
  3. L.J. :)

    zoltamatron Guest

    Sounds to me like it's not getting enough fuel. Replace the fuel
    filter and see if that helps. Most common problem for an engine that
    idles great but won't drive well. Does the engine run really hot when
    you are putting it under a lot of load? If so, that's a pretty good
    indicator of a very lean fuel mixture caused by insufficient fuel
    pressure.
     
    zoltamatron, Jan 17, 2007
    #3
  4. L.J. :)

    cton Guest

    I was having the same problem with my 88 240... engine idled great, but
    was getting really poor mileage. The fuel filter was rusted to hell and
    the valve timing was off. Once the filter was replaced and the valve
    timing adjusted, my fuel consumption improved greatly and is now up
    near that 22 mpg mark. I also topped off my air pressure in my tires
    which was low.

    Good luck,
    cton.
     
    cton, Jan 18, 2007
    #4
  5. L.J. :)

    L.J. :) Guest

    LJ :) here again to thank YourName and Zoltamat... and cton for
    responding. '89 Volvo 245, M47, 125K miles, B230F, non turbo.
    New Cat converter. O2 sensor.

    The flame trap and 3 tubes were cleaned, it's just that i forgot to
    mention them. Spark plugs cleaned and gapped and distributor cap
    cleaned with a flat file tip until those 4 points were shiny. Center
    point clean and the spring seems about right.

    The constant idle speed motor rebuild is a GOOD idea, and i think i
    will undertake that, next nice day weatherwise.

    The fuel filter idea i overlooked under the impression that, if
    clogged, it might cause stalling, or misfiring on long uphills or
    something noticeable in an acute way. It has not occurred to me that
    too much fuel consumption could result from not enough fuel
    flowthrough.
    So, on the advice of volvo owners who might know more than me, i will
    undertake that, too, on the next nice weather day.

    Timing was done. 'even went to the depth of the timing belt pulleys
    and their scribe marks, thinking that the rubber junction in the main
    pulley might have deteriorated causing the front cover timing marks to
    be inaccurate. 'Got 12 degrees(before tdc) (static) and all scribe
    marks and keys aligned with respect to one another at TDC. Plus there
    is no pinging, or overheat condition, nor are the spark plugs white or
    hot.

    Thanks again for the ideas. Keep 'em coming LJ :)
     
    L.J. :), Jan 20, 2007
    #5
  6. L.J. :)

    James Sweet Guest


    I don't see air mass meter in that list, that's one of the most common
    causes of your symptom. You might also check the wiring to and the
    sensor that measures coolant temp for the ECU, it's separate from the
    one that goes to the guage.
     
    James Sweet, Jan 20, 2007
    #6
  7. L.J. :)

    jacktheboy Guest

    In tank fuel pump mostly
    Fuel pressurer regulator maybe
     
    jacktheboy, Jan 22, 2007
    #7
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