Follow the maintenance steps in this section to keep your VOLVO engine in top
condition. VOLVO engines are reliable and can be driven forever, or almost,
if properly serviced. Based on VOLVO Recommended Maintenance Service Chart,
we created this table to help you repair and service your car. If you wish to
learn more about the different VOLVO engines and their specifications visit
the VOLVO Engines Specifications page
Maintenance and Repair Item
|
Parts
to Purchase |
Engine
Oil, Oil Filter
Change every 5,000 mi
- Change the oil and oil filter (1) every 5,000 mi. Also replace the
oil cap seal (2) and drain plug washer (3) if required. The oil change
kit we offer includes a quality MANN oil filter (1), oil cap seal (2),
and oil drain plug ring/seal (3).
- Use 10W30 oil for normal driving conditions. If the car is driven
in cold winter weather, use 5W30 during the winter months. For older
engines burning oil, 20W50 can be used during the summer months to decrease
oil consumption.
- The capacity is almost 4 liters for Volvo 4cyl engines. Buy 4 liters
of oil and you will have enough for the job. On Turbo models with oil
coolers a bit more oil is required, you should get 5 liters of new oil
for the change.
- The drain plug requires a 1 inch spanner. Do not over tighten the
drain plug. The last thing you want is to strip the threads on the oil
pan and having to replace it !
- Check that the oil warning light is off when the engine is running.
Replace the oil pressure switch if required.
- If your engine is burning oil you should perform a compression test.
This will determine if the piston rings or valves are bad. On Turbo
engines some engine oil can be burned by the turbine when the seals
and bearings are not leak free. The Turbine may need a rebuilt.
Check our detailed Volvo 240/260 Parts Catalogue
to find oil pressure switches, piston rings, engine bearings and everything
else you need to fix or rebuild your Volvo engine !
 
Oil cap with seal, Oil drain plug
|
Item |
Description
Help on catalogue format |
Model |
Year |
Part# |
Price |
Buy |
1,2,3 |
Oil change KIT, includes a quality MANN oil filter, oil cap
seal, and oil drain plug washer/seal. |
240 |
75-93 |
KIT3517857 |
$8.99 |
|
1 |
Oil filter, quality MANN filter (Not for Diesel) |
240, 260 |
75-93 |
3517857 |
$7.46 |
|
2 |
Oil cap seal. Rubber ring under the oil cap. |
240 |
75-93 |
SC940096 |
$0.85 |
|
- |
Oil cap, new cap and seal (shown left) |
240 |
76-93 |
8692888 |
$15.62 |
|
3 |
Oil drain plug washer |
240 |
75-93 |
SC18818 |
$1.45 |
|
- |
Oil drain plug (shown left) |
240 |
75-93 |
SC948187 |
$2.84 |
|
|
Fix
Oil Leaks
Check every 5,000 mi
- Check for oil leaks and replace any gasket and seal that failed.
- Check the list of individual gaskets or buy complete gasket sets to
save or if you plan on rebuilding the engine.

Engine Gaskets and Seals
Complete Engine Gasket Sets
Description
Help on catalogue format |
Model |
Year |
Part# |
Price |
Buy |
Block gasket set, all gaskets required for lower engine rebuild.
For all B21, B23, B230 engines |
240 |
76-93 |
SC270679 |
$93.44 |
|
Head gasket set for B230 engine, includes all gaskets from
head surface and up |
240 |
85-93 |
SC270689 |
$79.06 |
|
Head gasket set for B21 engine, includes all gaskets from head surface
and up |
240 |
76-85 |
SC270677 |
$71.88 |
|
Head gasket set for B23 engine, includes all gaskets from head surface
and up |
240 |
81-84 |
SC270684 |
$64.69 |
|
|
Individual Engine Gaskets
Description
Help on catalogue format |
Model |
Year |
Part# |
Price |
Buy |
Valve cover gasket, |
240 |
85-93 |
1378870 |
$5.39 |
|
Valve cover gasket |
240 |
76-84 |
1378909 |
$5.03 |
|
Oil cap seal. Rubber ring under the oil cap |
240 |
75-93 |
SC940096 |
$0.86 |
|
Camshaft seal, front. Replace to fix oil leaks from the top
front of the engine |
240 |
76-93 |
SC6842273 |
$4.24 |
|
Camshaft seal, rear plug, round black plug |
240 |
85-93 |
SC1336763 |
$3.02 |
|
Intake manifold gasket, for B21, B23 and B230 engine |
240 |
76-93 |
SC1378879 |
$7.12 |
|
Head gasket for B23 and B230 engine |
240 |
83-93 |
SC1378646 |
$22.28 |
|
Exhaust manifold gasket kit, set of 4 gaskets between
exhaust manifold and head |
240 |
76-93 |
SC1378217 |
$7.19 |
|
Oil drain plug washer |
240 |
75-93 |
SC18818 |
$1.44 |
|
Oil pan gasket |
240 |
75-93 |
SC1378864 |
$7.12 |
|
Crankshaft front housing gasket |
240 |
76-93 |
SC1378493 |
$3.59 |
|
Crankshaft seal, front |
240 |
76-93 |
SC1276424 |
$4.67 |
|
Crankshaft seal, rear housing gasket |
240 |
76-93 |
SC1378492 |
$1.58 |
|
Crankshaft seal, rear |
240 |
75-93 |
SC6842093 |
$7.12 |
|
|
PCV
Flame Trap

Change every 60,000 mi
- Replace the flame trap (3) in the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV)
cup (1)
- This flame trap (3) must not be clogged to avoid crankcase overpressure
and oil leaks Very important for the longevity of your engine.
|
Description
Help on catalogue format |
Model |
Year |
Part# |
Type |
Price |
Buy |
Flame trap kit (flame shield), Very important for the longevity
of your engine. |
240, 260 (not Turbo) |
75-88 |
FTKTO88 |
New |
$12.22 |
|
Flame trap kit (flame shield). Very important for the longevity
of your engine. |
240, 260 (not Turbo) |
89-93 |
FTK89UP |
New |
$12.22 |
|
|
Engine
Mounts
Check every 10,000 mi
- Check every 5,000 miles that the engine mounts are not sagging, cracked
or broken. Replace them if required. Also check the transmission mount.
- Check engine mounts after changing the oil filter because leaks from
above makes the rubber deteriorate. Wipe oil spills on the mounts after
an oil change.
|

Item |
Description
Help on catalogue format |
Model |
Year |
Part# |
Price |
Buy |
|
Engine mount, LEFT driver side (and RIGHT for 1975). |
240 |
75-93 |
SC274110 |
$9.99 |
|
|
Engine mount, RIGHT passenger side. |
240 |
76-93 |
SC274111 |
$9.99 |
|
|
Spark
Plugs and Ignition System
Check spark plug gap every 5,000 mi
Change plugs every 30,000 mi

Ignition tune-up kit includes all part shown except the wire set sold
separately. All parts are also available individually.
- Every 5,000 mi remove the spark plugs and inspect
them. Check the gap with a gauge and set it at 0.030" on most models
(check owner's manual for your car).
- Torque the plugs to 10 ft-lbs.
- Change the plugs every 30,000 mi.
- Check and clean the distributor cap and rotor every 10,000 mi
- Check the ignition wires for damage
- Check the ignition timing (on adjustable models) and set per the emission
label under the hood.
- Lube the distributor shaft under the rotor with one drop of oil
- Check the centrifugal advance by revving the engine
- Check the vacuum advance by disconnecting the vacuum line. Plug the
line.
- Learn more from the repair manual
Can't find what you're searching for ? We stock used ignition computers
and distributors. Check our detailed Volvo 240/260 Parts
Catalogue to find everything else you need to repair and upgrade your
Volvo.
|
Item |
Description
Help on catalogue format |
Model |
Year |
Part# |
Price |
Buy |
1,3,4,5 |
Bosch Ignition Tune-Up kit , includes cap, rotor and spark
plugs. Bosch |
240 |
85-93 |
240ignKIT |
$27.49 |
|
1 |
Distributor cap, Bosch |
240 |
75-93 |
SC243797 |
$9.94 |
|
2 |
Ignition wires, set of 4 |
240 |
81-93 |
272194 |
$46.86 |
|
4 |
Distributor rotor, Bosch |
240 |
75-83 |
SC243903 |
$8.52 |
|
4 |
Distributor rotor, Bosch |
240 |
83-85 |
SC1336240 |
$9.94 |
|
4 |
Distributor rotor, Bosch |
240 |
86-93 |
SC1389425 |
$9.94 |
|
5 |
Spark plug kit, Bosch, set of 4 |
240 |
76-93 |
271409 |
$8.52 |
|
|
Throttle
Cable and Idle Speed
Check every 10,000 mi
- Check, lube and adjust the throttle cable and controls.
- Set the idle speed as per the emissions label in the engine bay.
|
|
Air
Filter
Check every 5,000 mi
Change every 30,000 mi
- Check the air filter every 5,000 mi. If it's dirty replace it or,
for a temporary fix, turn it around such that the dirty spot is not
in front of the intake.
- Replace the air filter every 30,000 mi
|
Item |
Description
Help on catalogue format |
Model |
Year |
Part# |
Price |
Buy |
|
Air filter for 240 (not turbo). By FRAM |
240 (not Turbo) |
76-93 |
463505 |
$7.91 |
|
|
Air filter for 240 Turbo. By FRAM |
240 Turbo |
81-85 |
SC1276825 |
$22.38 |
|
|
Cooling
System
Check every
10,000 mi
Change antifreeze every 30,000 mi
- Check the coolant level and pressure by opening
the cap when the engine is warm (but not too hot).
- Replace the antifreeze every 30,000 mi or 2 every years.
- Fix leaks around the water pump, hoses, radiator..
- Check the coolant freezing point with a tester and adjust the mixture
for the lowest temperature in your area.
- If you use a block heater check that it works before the winter. Plug
it in and listen for a hummm from the engine.
- If the engine overheats, learn more from
the repair manual to troubleshoot and identify the problem
- Replace the thermostat if your car overheats shortly after start up,
the needle keeps going up after reaching the normal mid point of the
gauge, or the temperature never goes up to midpoint of the gauge.

Item |
Description
Help on catalogue format |
Model |
Year |
Part# |
Price |
Buy |
2 |
Radiator cap, overflow tank cap |
240, 260 |
75-93 |
1357775 |
$4.31 |
|

Item |
Description
Help on catalogue format |
Model |
Year |
Part# |
Price |
Buy |
1 |
Thermostat 189 F (82 C), seal ring included. |
240 |
76-93 |
SC273459 |
$13.66 |
|
2 |
Thermostat rubber seal ring only. Replace the seal
to fix a leak around the thermostat housing |
240 |
75-93 |
SC1397911 |
$1.44 |
|
3 |
Thermostat housing, replace if too corroded and
wont seal correctly |
240 |
76-93 |
463434 |
$23.00 |
|
Can't find what you're searching for ? Check our detailed
Volvo 240/260 Parts Catalogue to find everything else you need to
repair and upgrade your Volvo!
|

Item |
Description
Help on catalogue format |
Model |
Year |
Part# |
Price |
Buy |
1 |
Water pump kit, new pump with all gaskets, for
B21 and B23 engines |
240 |
76-84 |
SC270681 |
$51.68 |
|
1 |
Water pump kit, new pump with all gaskets, for B230 engine |
240 |
85-93 |
SC271830 |
$50.24 |
|
2 |
Water pump gasket, between pump and block |
240 |
85-93 |
SC1378491 |
$1.37 |
|
3 |
Water pump top rubber seal ring |
240 |
76-93 |
SC1336255 |
$0.93 |
|

Item |
Description
Help on catalogue format |
Model |
Year |
Part# |
Price |
Buy |
1 |
Radiator 2 rows brass core, with plastic sides like original
Volvo. For cars with auto or man transmission. No sensor hole. |
240 |
75-93 |
8603853 |
$208.44 |
|
1 |
Radiator 2 row brass core, with metal sides for
longevity. For cars with auto or man transmission. |
240 |
75-93 |
8601127 |
$158.13 |
|
2 |
Radiator hose, lower |
240 B23,B230 |
83-93 |
SC463306 |
$11.43 |
|
2 |
Radiator hose, upper |
240 B23,B230 |
83-93 |
SC1219990 |
$11.43 |
|
|
Exhaust
System
Check every 10,000 mi
- Check for leaks and check that hangers are unbroken and attached correctly.
- Check the color of the smoke coming out of the tail pipe. Black, blue
or very white smoke are not good signs.
- Check the pressure of the gas from the tail pipe. Good pressure is
a sign of an healthy engine with high compression.
- On Turbo models tighten the exhaust pipe nuts to Turbo every 10,000
mi

1. Rear Muffler Hangers

2. Front Muffler Hangers

3. Manifold Gasket, between head pipe and manifold
Item |
Description
Help on catalogue format |
Model |
Year |
Part# |
Type |
Price |
Buy |
1
|
Muffler hanger for rear muffler, rubber donut (2
required) |
240, 260 |
75-93 |
SC1206468 |
New |
$2.16 |
|
2
|
Muffler hanger for front muffler, rubber ring (2
required) |
240, 260 |
75-93 |
SC666407 |
New |
$1.44 |
|
3
|
Manifold gasket, between front pipe and exhaust
manifold |
240 (not Turbo) |
75-93 |
SC3531326 |
New |
$3.23 |
|
|
Item |
Description
Help on catalogue format |
Model |
Year |
Part# |
Type |
Price |
Buy |
2 |
Catalytic converter |
240 B21F |
77-79 |
4065 |
New |
$129.38 |
|
2 |
Catalytic converter for 1982 B21F and 1983 B23F
engines |
240 B21F, B23F |
82-83 |
4050 |
New |
$129.38 |
|
2 |
Catalytic converter for 240 Turbo .Includes the
head pipe from the Turbo. |
240 B21FT |
81-85 |
4048 |
New |
$488.75 |
|
2 |
Catalytic converter |
260 B27F |
77-78 |
4065 |
New |
$129.38 |
|
4 |
Front muffler, fits all 4cyl, 6cyl and Diesel,
not for Turbo. By Starla made in Sweden. |
240, 260 (not Turbo) |
75-93 |
SC1378297 |
New |
$54.63 |
|
5 |
Axle pipe, between front and rear muffler. By Starla
made in Sweden. |
240, 260 |
77-93 |
SC1336286 |
New |
$24.44 |
|
7 |
Rear muffler, fits all 4cyl, 6cyl and Diesel, not
for Turbo. By Starla made in Sweden. |
240, 260 (not Turbo) |
75-93 |
SC1357065 |
New |
$46.00 |
|
8 |
Tail pipe, short pipe after rear muffler, fits
all 4cyl, 6cyl and Diesel, not for Turbo. By Starla made in Sweden. |
240, 260 (not Turbo) |
75-93 |
SC1357982 |
New |
$12.94 |
|
|
Drive
Belts
Check every 30,000 mi
- Check and adjust the alternator/water pump belt
- Check and adjust the Air Conditioning compressor belt
- Check and adjust the power steering belts
Not all models have the Air Conditioning belt.
Difficulty in tensioning the belt or keeping the alternator aligned can
be caused by worn rubber bushings. When a rubber bushing
is worn and deformed it can no longer mount the belt tension and the
alternator has a tendency to twist.
Adjust the drive belts to get 5-10mm (0.2-0.4 in) of deflection
under firm thumb pressure in the middle of the longest run. Do not over
tighten drive belts ! They are the main cause of water pump and
alternator failures. If the deflection is within range and the belt is still
slipping, a new belt should be installed. Once a belt slipped its surface
is glazed and it becomes impossible to tighten correctly without slippage.
To change the tension or install a new belt, all mounting bolts should
be slackened a bit, such that the alternator or steering pump is free
to slide and spin.
- Loosen the 13mm nut from the alternator or steering pump top mount
bolt
- Loosen the 13mm nut form the alternator or steering pump bottom mount
bolt
- On early models without an adjuster, use a pry bar to push the alternator
or steering pump while you tighten the top mounting bolt with the other
hand.
- On later B230 engines with adjuster, loosen the 13mm nut from the
tensioner mounting bolt at the bottom of the alternator or steering
pump.
- Turn the 10mm tensioning bolt:
- clockwise to tighten the belt
- anti-clockwise to loosen the belt
- When the correct tension is reached, tighten all nuts.
Can't find what you're searching for ? We stock used power steering pumps,
alternators and AC compressor. Check our detailed Volvo
240/260 Parts Catalogue to find everything else you need to repair
and upgrade your Volvo! |
Description
Help on catalogue format |
Model |
Year |
Part# |
Price |
Buy |
Mounting bushing for power steering pump and alternator. |
240 |
79-93 |
SC1378153a |
$2.19 |
|
Belt for alternator/water pump/crankshaft, PAIR,
length 928mm |
240 |
76-93 |
966965 |
$14.38 |
|
Belt for steering pump, for cars with Air Conditioning,
length 1075mm |
240 with AC |
77-84 |
967114 |
$7.19 |
|
Belt for steering pump, for cars with Air Conditioning,
length 850mm |
240 with AC |
85-92 |
973535 |
$7.19 |
|
Belt for steering pump, for cars without Air Conditioning,
length 938mm |
240 without AC |
77-92 |
973538 |
$8.63 |
|
Belt for air conditioning compressor, length 975
mm |
240 |
85-93 |
979631 |
$12.51 |
|
|
Valves
Adjustment
Check every 30,000mi
Check compression every 75,000mi
- Check the valves adjustment and correct it if necessary.
- If your engine is burning oil, perform a compression test. This will
determine if the piston rings or valves are bad.
- If the compression is mostly equal in all cylinders (all values within
10%) the engine is probably still good
- If the compression in one cylinder is below the others, check the
valves adjustment for that cylinder. It could require an adjustment
only.
- If the valves are OK the engine pistons and/or rings should be replaced.
- This job is for experienced "Do It Yourself" mechanics but
you can learn how to do it by buying one of the Volvo
service manuals offered on this web site.
Can't find what you're searching for ? Check our detailed
Volvo 240/260 Parts Catalogue to find everything else you need to
repair and upgrade your Volvo ! We stock used camshafts, also complete
heads, manifolds and more.
|
|
Timing
Belt
Change every 50,000 mi
- Replace the timing belt every 50,000 mi. Note that if the timing
belt breaks the engine will not destroy, however it is good prevention
to replace it on schedule to avoid being stalled at the worst moment
- This job is for experienced "Do It Yourself" mechanic but
you can learn how to do it by buying one of the Volvo
service manuals offered on this web site.
|
Item |
Description
Help on catalogue format |
Model |
Year |
Part# |
Price |
Buy |
1 |
Timing belt |
240 |
76-92 |
SC271713 |
$11.50 |
|
1 |
Timing belt |
240 |
93 |
SC271747 |
$32.20 |
|
2 |
Timing belt tensioner/roller |
240 |
76-93 |
SC463633 |
$35.94 |
|
|
Fuel
Filter
Change every 60,000 mi
Check fuel lines every 30,000 mi
- Replace the fuel filter every 60,000 miles.
- It is located next to the fuel pump under the car.
- Check all fuel lines for leaks or damage every 30,000 miles

Can't find what you're searching for ? Check our detailed
Volvo 240/260 Parts Catalogue to find everything else you need to
repair and upgrade your Volvo! We stock used fuel injection computers,
new and used fuel pumps, air mass meters and more.
|
|
Diesel Fuel Condenser
Drain every 5,000 mi
- On diesel engines drain the fuel condenser every 5,000 mi
|
|