1987 240 Engine “Threw a Rod”- Now What?

[apollo13]

So here’s my story:

Back at the end of April my Volvo’s engine threw a rod after 289,000 miles, so obviously I can no longer drive the vehicle. As you can see from the pictures, it’s an absolutely beautiful car but it won’t move an inch. Chances are, I’ve got a loose rod or piston in the engine but I haven’t had my mechanic verify that. I’m confident in saying that’s the problem because my mechanic suspected a loose rod and/or piston once I specifically described how the car started losing power and then wouldn’t restart after I turned it off.

This 240 has quite a bit of sentimental value to say the least. My parents bought this car when they were planning on having me and I came home from the hospital in it. This is the 1st car I learned to drive on (and drive stick shift) and I took it to high school every day of senior year. In college, I drove this Volvo 500 miles to and from home a couple times a year. To say the least, this vehicle was my girlfriend before I had a girlfriend.

Besides the engine (which is really the most important part), this car is in impeccable shape. The clutch has plenty of life left and the timing belt was just replaced back in December. The AC system was completely overhauled from R12 to R134 5 years ago and the fuel pump is less than 2 years old. The car has plenty of life left if only it had a working engine.

What should I do with my baby?

Should I try to get the engine fixed or would it make more sense for me to swap in a used one or even a new one?

Should I try to sell the car as is? If so, how much do you think I could get for this vehicle given the condition of the engine?

[oragex]

This looks really immaculate condition, I'm sure there are people out there willing to pay some money for it, be it only for nostalgic reasons. I'll install an used engine and either keep or sell it.

[apollo13]

Thanks for the suggestion. Not sure how much someone would be willing to pay for it but it couldn't hurt to get some feelers. Any recommendations on where to look for a used engine?

[93Regina]

...car started losing power and then wouldn’t restart after I turned it off...

Normally, rods don't "fly off," but you should have heard "hammering" going on.

I bought this 1993 944 several years ago with a rod hammering, and then rebuilt a 1984 B23F engine for it.

If your vehicle was in my area, I'd snap it up; I paid around $800.00 for that 940, but it had new tires, and a new battery, plus, it was clean and rust free.

[lummert]

A few hundred dollars at a junk yard should get you a reasonable good used B230F.

[apollo13]

Good point. I definitely heard more of a hammering sound when my 240 started losing power. Unfortunately I don't know exactly what's wrong with the engine since no one has actually taken a look inside it.

My Volvo mechanic said he could diagnose the problem but that would set me back $400-$600.

Would it make sense for me to even explore the possibility of getting the engine fixed?

I'd rather not have to swap out the motor but I may not have much of a choice at this point.

[Homebrand]

Love has cost people a hell of a lot more than what it would cost to get your 240 back on the road.
Sometimes the money is irrelevant.

[93Regina]

My Volvo mechanic said...$400-$600

We charge $000.00, if you got the time.

Take 4 spark plugs out, and rotate crankshaft clockwise with a socket, and report back.

[apollo13]

Good call. Going that route is probably the path of least resistance.

Thanks all for providing a voice of reason.

[Rsw808]

Did it work?