Inline-four cylinder, typically naturally aspirated gasoline, with potential for turbocharger variants across different models.
Performance
Horsepower Range:
Varies significantly by displacement and specific engine variant, typically ranging from approximately 80 HP to 130+ HP in naturally aspirated form.
Torque Range:
Varies by displacement and tuning, typically in the range of 100 lb-ft to 160 lb-ft.
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Carbureted (e.g., Zenith Stromberg, SU) and early Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection systems, depending on the specific engine variant and model year.
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Common Transmission Types:
Manual transmissions (e.g., M45, M46, M47) and automatic transmissions (e.g., BW35, AW70/71) were common.
Optional
Overdrive Options:
Overdrive gears were often available on manual transmissions (M46 designation often indicates an overdrive 4th or 5th gear).
Features
Transmission Fluid Spec:
Specific fluid types (e.g., Dexron II/III for automatics, GL-4 gear oil for manuals) would be detailed in the manual.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Applicable Vehicle Types:
Primarily covers engines used in Volvo models such as the 240, 260, 740, 760 series, and potentially earlier 300 series models, as well as some related marques depending on engine sharing.
Weights
Engine Weight Approximate:
Approximate dry weight for these inline-four engines typically falls in the range of 150-200 kg (330-440 lbs), depending on ancillaries.
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Vehicle Safety Context:
While this manual focuses on the engine, it supports vehicles that have a history of good safety ratings for their respective eras, a Volvo hallmark.
Active Features
Engine Management Safety:
Information on engine control and ignition systems contributes to safe operation.
Passive Features
Component Safety Details:
Properly maintained and repaired engine components are critical for overall vehicle safety.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment Context:
These engines were fitted in vehicles from an era where infotainment was rudimentary or non-existent, primarily focused on basic radio and cassette players.
Driver Assistance
Driver Assistance Features:
Driver assistance features were minimal to non-existent during the primary production period of these engines.
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
No advanced connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB were integrated.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval Typical:
Typically every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type.
Timing Belt Interval:
Timing belt replacement intervals are critical and would be specified by model year and engine variant, often around 60,000 - 90,000 miles (100,000 - 150,000 km).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Viscosity:
Commonly specified viscosities include 10W-30 and 10W-40. The manual will provide precise recommendations based on ambient temperature.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze with corrosion inhibitors. Specific Volvo-recommended mixtures or equivalent would be detailed.
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Known Issues
Common Engine Wear Points:
Oil leaks (valve cover gasket, rear main seal), cooling system component degradation (radiator, hoses), timing belt wear, and fuel system component aging (injectors, pumps in fuel-injected models).
Electrical Component Reliability:
Older wiring harnesses and ignition components can be prone to degradation, requiring careful inspection and potential replacement.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Volvo Engine Philosophy:
Volvo is renowned for building durable, reliable, and safe vehicles, and these B-series engines were central to that reputation during their production era.
Model Evolution
Engine Family Progression:
The B17-B23 family represents Volvo's successful development of robust, overhead camshaft (OHC) inline-four engines, evolving over time with increased displacement and improved technology (e.g., fuel injection).
Production
Production Era:
These engines were produced from the late 1970s through the 1980s and into the early 1990s in various forms.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Brand Reputation For Durability:
Volvo vehicles of this era consistently earned reputations for longevity and robust engineering, largely attributable to the reliability of their engines.
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