timing marks on 745 16 valve

[BBBenny]

I just purchased what I think is a 1990 745 gle ,16 valve ,the guy that had it passed on and left the work undone what I seem to have is a new timing belt in place,what I need to do is check if all the markings {and there are a few } line up, I have been told this is a difficult task to change a belt on this engine I have done timing belts on other 740 /940 8 valve cars before ,but this looks like a nightmare. Also I am told this is an interference motor ,and it may have bent a valve...do you think it would be worth the time and effort to remove head and rebuild valve train ? I am not familiar w/the 16 valve engines ,are they a good setup, and or can I swap a regular 230F ? into this car w/out too much hassle ,or should I scrap them both and stuff a smallblock in it thanks for the help Ben

[billofdurham]

Welcome to Matthew's Volvo Site.

The 16 valve B234F is an interference engine and if the belt snapped whilst the engine was running there will be damage to the valves and, possibly, the pistons. You should be looking at this before going any further.

The timing belt replacement is more complicated than on the 8 valve engines but I feel that the engine is far better than the 8 valve units.

Whether the extra work entailed is worth it is up to you, but if you do go ahead then the members of this forum will give all the help possible.

Bill.