greg@isrnix.UUCP (Gregory Travis) (11/27/85)
Hi, I'm new to this group, but delighted to see it. I'm interested in
finding out how many people who read this group own Volvos with either
B18 or B20 (also B30) engines (120 series, 140 series, 160 series, 1800
series). I'm something of a Volvo fanatic - I've had 2 Vo's - a '74
142 (B20F (Fuel Inj)) and now own a '70 145 (B20B (dual Strombergs).
I'm getting ready to attempt an engine rebuild on the latter (120000
miles, never had the head off) and am interested in corresponding with
anyone who has ever done this. I do most of the mechanical work on my
car but have never done much to the actual engine (I took off the head and
reground the valves on the '74) so I want to find out as much as possible
about the procedure first.
On another note, I've been putting in a tank of unleaded premium into
my semi-high compression B20B to eliminate knock & runon - can anyone think
of a reason this might not be a good idea? I've talked to several
mechanics around here and they all have differing opinions. On the bad side,
I might burn my valves, on the plus side damaging knock doesn't occur.
The engine is cast iron throughout (block & head). I can't find anything
above 89 octane regular around here.
--
Gregory R. Travis
Institute for Social Research - Indiana University - Bloomington, In
ihnp4!inuxc!isrnix!greg
{pur-ee,allegra,qusavx}!isrnix!gregksbszabo@watvlsi.UUCP (Kevin Szabo) (11/29/85)
When I rebuilt my B20 (at 90k .. for something to do) I noticed that the single carb B10 used a lower octane fuel. This was due to a thicker head gasket that lowered the compression of the engine. Since high-octane fuel was scarce, and anyone who owns a 145s/B20 probably doesn't care about performance :-), I used the thicker gasket. I have no problems running on regular gasoline. If you decide to go with the thicker head gasket don't forget to get the correct water pump gasket o-rings as well. They have to be longer than the regular ones. Kevin -- Kevin Szabo' watmath!watvlsi!ksbszabo (U of W VLSI Group, Waterloo, Ont, Canada)
eric@amc.UUCP (Eric McRae) (12/02/85)
>On another note, I've been putting in a tank of unleaded premium into >my semi-high compression B20B to eliminate knock & runon - can anyone think >of a reason this might not be a good idea? ... I owned a 71' 145 with a B20B (SU's). The engine was designed for 95 octane gasoline...tough to find. Volvo published a note saying that you should use leaded gas at least 30% of the time. The lead additives help lubricate the valve guides. The mixture is not critical. You can burn two tanks of unleaded, then a tank of leaded. They (Volvo) also have a set of head gaskets that lower the compression ratio and allow you to use regular. Check with your local dealer. I sold the 145 at 140,000 miles. It's never been reworked. I still see it every day. I now have a 82 turbo wagon (intercooled - kit) which I love and hope to drive into the next century.