Large hole in block

Post by **LA48340** » 30 Nov 2009, 14:25

Yesterday I purchased a 1990 240 wagon with 280K miles..it has a hole in the side of the block the size of a grapefruit and the starter was blown off.
You can look into the hole and see the crankshaft and the surface of the oil in the pan.
In shopping around the area for an engine..one technician described the condition of my blown engine without even seeing it..told me its very common for the #3 rod to let go and take out the starter.
Is a blown #3 rod a common condition to expect on the 2.3L? The condition is in great condition otherwize and has been maintained. I was under the impression these are 500K and beyond mileage engines. thanks.

Post by **billofdurham** » 01 Dec 2009, 12:22

If it is a common condition it isn't very well documented. Perhaps he has seen one before. With some mechanics two makes it common.

This is how one expert describes the B230F engine - "Overhead cam, low friction, tough and durable non-interference head." Thousands of owners would agree.

Bill.

willowdog · Post by **willowdog** » 07 Dec 2009, 02:39

Hi

Never heard of it personally after 2 240's (family still owns them both), a 265 (sold), 3 360's (still have 1) and an 850 (daily drive, though very different engine).

Our 240's are on 550,000ish (the speedo died at 440,00 about 12 years ago) and around 300,000. The one on 550,000 is an '81 GLT Estate that got an absolute thrashing teaching kids to drive and then used as a courier van for a year. It's had it's head planed once but the engine is otherwise original although it does burn a little oil

So, I'd be inclined to agree with billofdurham.

Having said that and regardless of how common this problem might or might not be, if it has a hole that big in the block, I dont think duct tape will fix the problem. I assume you bought it as a panel/trim donor car?

Cheers

Post by **LA48340** » 10 Dec 2009, 14:17

As best I can tell, the seller bought the car for his daughter as a college commuter because of its crash worthiness. From the looks of the oil filter, its been awhile since it got and oil change and I am sure this is why the rod came out the side. I know the engine can go 4 or 500k miles with maintanence from I have read and it was comforting to read your post.
thank you.