Haynes manual 400-series: B18U vs. B20F

Hi!

Does anyone know if there is a significant difference between the B18U and
the B20F engines in the Haynes repair manuals?

My wife recently purchased a 1993 460 GL with the 2.0 liter engine, and the
manual I have access to covers up to the 1.8 liter. Can I get by with that
or should I go ahead and order the 2.0 liter manual from the UK... that
sounds strange because I live in Sweden...

Thanks for any input,
Jon

 

Engines may be different in Sweden than in US, but the B20F was the engine
supplied in the early 70's, with the K-Jetronic fuel system, I believe. I
would be surprised to find this engine on a 1993 model, but the 460 model is
not marketed to US, so I'm not the most informed. The B20F is 2.0 liter.

 

Hey Pat,

I think that this is actually a Renault engine put into a car that looks
like a small 850 which is possibly made in Holland... but I am feeling
pretty confident, it looks like a Volvo and rides like a Volvo. Heck, it
SAYS it's a Volvo!


Jon

 

It does, but otherwise its a horrible hatchback / saloon with none of the
traditional Volvo qualitys.

At least Volvo got the engine right eventually just before production
stopped after 3 attempts!! (dreadful Renault thing)

Tim..

 

Hey Pat,

I don't think the B20F is a Renault engine - I have a feeling Volvo mad it,
which is why it's supposed to be the best engine to have in the 400 series.
I drove a 480 once with one in, and wow!

I'm afraid that I can't be of any use with the original problem though, but
I doubt they are the same - certainly the smaller petrol engines (1.6, 1.7
and 1.7 turbo) were all Renault designed. What the 1.8 is I have no idea,
sorry.

I like the 440's - I've had three in 9 years (the first two met very sticky
ends). I have had the 1.6 twice and the 1.8 briefly. They aren't as well
screwed together as the 240's were, but by no means bad cars. Better than
the 340's at any rate, even if they are all FWD. My current one does 20,000
a year and hasn't gone wrong since I've had it (3 years). The most serious
problem I've had with any of them (aside from crashing them) is a failed
starter motor once.

David

 

From what i rember the B18U is esenctaly the same block as the 1.7 units
however it has
a slighley longer stroke i think and the engion is fed by single point
injection system witch
actls like a computer controled carb. Not as powerfull as the 1.7i's however
it does return
econimy figures close to the TD 440. From owning a 440Li with the B18U
powering it
i can se that the B20F ot the B18FT engions producing more power willl be a
better drive
alough the B18U will still crous up and down the motorway at a fair speed.

Hope this is of use.

Adrian.
Green 84 850

 

B20F is still a Renault engine.

Cheers, Peter.

 

Both the B20F and B18S are the 3rd time lucky re-re-volvo-ised-un-renault-ed
units.

Tim..

 

Hi Tim,

Re:

Actually, a 460 with the 2 liter is a pretty decent car. Great suspension,
good acceleration, and a good "common sense" feeling about the thing. I
think they are well worth the money - which isn't much!

 

David,

Re:

Yeah, the car has some good acceleration in the lower rpms, it's a lot
quicker than it looks. It is a little frustrating as it is difficult finding
information about this particular engine - online and off!

Volvo is just about as Swedish as fermented fish and even though I live
there, I am gonna have to get a manual from the UK (!).

Yep, 240's are in a different league. I always grin when I look under the
hood of a 240 - what you see is what you get. Perfect for people like me who
aren't at home with my arms elbow deep in engine guts. Huge difference from
say a '00 Saab 2-3: all the plastic and stuff makes it seem like you have to
remove the engine to even check the oil! The 460 seems pretty easy to work
on... as long as somebody holds my hand - like a Haynes manual.

Take care,
Jon

 

Hi Adrian,

Re:

It is - I doubt if I'll be messing around with the injection system on this
engine, which is multi-point. If the B20 is essentially the same thing as a
B18 plus two cc's and a different injection, the B18 manual will be good
enough!

Have it good,
Jon

 

Hi Tim,

Re:

That sounds good to me!

Jon

 

Having said that some 2litre units had oil control problems- Volvo spent
rather large amounts of money on warranty work replacing oil burners with
short motors with redesigned pistons and oil control rings in the middle
90's.

For some reason some engines were completely trouble free, whilst others
suddenly started burning lots of oil.

Tim..

 

Hi Tim,
Re:

Thanks for all the info. When she bought it, I noticed it was really low on
oil. This could be an oil burner...

Thanks again,
Jon

 

If it is, you'll be driving about with a blue cloud behind you- its quite
obvious!

Tim..