no power, 1982 240 dl b21f engine

Bynks · Post by **Bynks** » 07 Jul 2007, 21:39

Thanks!
Just put a 1982 240 DL sedan european model on the road, picked it up for $500, after fixing a wiper issue AAhhh!! threw a battery in it and had it inspected. Just got back from a trip PA to NC ran like a top, no probs, except it is a dog as far as pick up. Foot to the floor, trying like mad, doesn't really load up, just dogs. Can't pull out, change lanes, go up a hill, etc. Is this typical for this motor? I realize it's not the most powerful model, but I'm gonna get hit trying to pull into traffic! What can I check, upgrade? etc. This is probably my seventh or eigth Volvo and I love them, but this girl is a slug! Help!!

markvt · Post by **markvt** » 08 Jul 2007, 05:42

You didn't mention the milege on the 240. Mine is pushing 200,000 and it is a dog too. It never had much power, but with the high mileage and now me being used to cars with so much power and speed, it really feels dogish:-)

CarVolvo · Post by **CarVolvo** » 08 Jul 2007, 08:16

after getting 3 speeding tickets from my previous 88 245 non turbo (with over 200k) i would not say these engines are dogs. All my other 240's have been pretty peppy for a four cylinder. Now im not saying you would find me winning any races...but i would say the engines are more than sufficient. My most recent car listed at the bottom is amazingly spirited for an ole brick!

My experience is that they take a lot of abuse and most of the cars I inherited were not taken care of. I would start with the spark plugs and wires and fuel filters and dont forget the timing and distributor cap and rotor.

The most common thing to check is the power to the fuel pump too.. check and replace the fuse for the injection system near the battery, replace the fuel relay and check the fuel pump.

Other issues might be the MAF sensor.

If your still not getting power you might want to do a compression check, even volvo engines dont last forever.

Bynks · Post by **Bynks** » 08 Jul 2007, 09:00

Thanks for the replys! The sedan has 132,000 miles on it, although the odometer didn't work on the trip... Cars in good shape theough, and last inspection was at 129,000. It sat for a year in my garage, yeah, I know, crazy to get in and drive 1300 miles after just getting her on the road, but , whats a girl to do? Needed a car and my 87 740 turbo w/ 186,000 needs a rack, leaking rear, exhaust maniflod leak, and drivers window regulator has been put together so many times its in shreds... Anyway, I'll check out the plugs ,wires, etc. Also have an 83 240 turbo in the garage, 207,000 miles, real fickle loves to just quit out on the road and take a couple hour rest, know thats electrical, never found the root of that problem- needed something more reliable to deliver mail in. Thanks guys!!

CarVolvo · Post by **CarVolvo** » 08 Jul 2007, 09:13

Ok, well if the car was sitting for a year then it would definitly have to run awhile to get everything working and the carbon build up out of it. But isnt it a testimonial to these cars that they start and are eager to serve even after put out of service for a whole year?

Keep in mind ... most inspections want to make sure the car mechanically is road worthy. Unless you had an emission done to it ( i doubt that is required for the age of the car), the inspection will not address anything to do with the performance. So tune her up!

I still would suggest a complete tune up and i forgot to mention air filter. These are all things you can do yourself and save some money.

Bynks · Post by **Bynks** » 08 Jul 2007, 09:35

You better believe it! I always tell people these cars run on willpower, not gas and oil! Threw some injector cleaner in the tank when I got to NC, did seem to help on the way back. She does sound a little "breathy" so maybe vaccuum leak or something of the sort isn't out of the question... Will get my hanes manual out and give her a go. Thanks, Andrea