How good was the 6 cylinder compared to the 4 cylinder?

CarVolvo · Post by **CarVolvo** » 17 Jul 2007, 23:56

Could anyone tell me how dependable the straight 6 was compared to the 4 cylinder engine.

Im really not familiar with it.. but i know the 4 cylinder and 5 cylinder keep going and going.

Is the straight 6 a good engine and what should i look for? Does it survive the broken timing belt like the 4 cyl or interference like the 5 cyl?

Im looking at a 960 and am curious!

Thanks in advance!

Post by **billofdurham** » 18 Jul 2007, 03:29

My 960 was a good car let down by the fact that Volvo rushed into production to take on the other big car manufacturers. The engine was superb, but it is an interference lump. Problems that I had and that were changed about '94 were rattling interior trim, poor self adjusting shocks on the rear and a tendency to rust around the windscreen, behind the rubber of course.

One other problem that did not affect my car can be found here:http://www.brickboard.com/FAQ/700-900/9 ... 6304Blocks

This apparently affected all years but not all cars.

Would I buy another? Too true but it would have to be '95 onwards.

Bill.

klojbg · Post by **klojbg** » 18 Jul 2007, 13:02

During the past 31 years I have putchased nine Volvos for personal and family use. Six 4 cylinder series, two 5 cylinder series, and one 6 cylinder.
My opinion is, I purchased one 6 cylinder too many, it was built with the Puegot engine. I had more grief with that vehicle than the rest combined. The best experience I had with it was when my daughter totaled it and the insurance paid it off.

CarVolvo · Post by **CarVolvo** » 18 Jul 2007, 13:35

Wow thanks you two.. i think im going to stick with the trusty four. I was planning on towing with it so i thought best use a 6 for that. Now that i have read up on this... i am leaning to avoid the 6.

But i welcome more opinions too!

Post by **billofdurham** » 18 Jul 2007, 15:43

The PVR (Peugeot, Volvo, Renault) engine was a V6 used in the 260, 760 and 780 from 1975 - '90. It was totally unreliable as many joint ventures are. The engine designations were B27F, B28F and B280F.

The 960 used the in-line B6304F built by Volvo.

I used mine for towing a large caravan. Fuel consumption was between 1 and 2mpg worse with the 'van on the back than when running solo. The only drawback was remembering to take the car for a run of about quarter of a mile to "blow up" the rear shocks before sticking the 'van on the back.

Bill.