Learn Me: Volvo 240's.

I am sure this must have been covered at some point, but the search yields no results other than some old classifieds.

What is there to know about these? The only things I know from my little experience is:

-Seem to run forever, no shortage of cars well into the 200k miles. -They seem to rust forever -Not the quickest tank in the world -Probably still safer than some more modern options -They look something a 10 year old would draw if you said "draw a car"

That all said, I still find them endearing after spending many a years riding in the backseats of friends, friends parents, etc.

Don't know much about them either other than all the hippies out here in CA seem to like them.

This is true. And all of the hipsters here in Brooklyn as well. Those and diesel Benz's of any variety.

In the current issue there's a short, but good, guide on them.

The later the car, the better. Volvo continually updated the 240 right until the very end. The later cars have better rust-proofing and lack the biodegradable wiring harness. The air mass meter issue mentioned in the article is no joke, about half of the running problems 240s have are due to the AMM being fried from the super hot air.

The air conditioning system is weak and does not work well in traffic.

Also, I should note the as you mentioned, mileage is generally not an issue. I dynoed my 240 when it had about 260k and it was putting down 93 hp to the wheels. Stock figures were 114hp at the flywheel, if I'm not mistaken.

Great brakes, turning circle and strong gutsy 2.3 4 cylinder with a manual is a good commuter.

Design was straight from kindergarden kids with 3 blocks

Sure this was for the 740.....but the 240 is also "Boxy but Good"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTJZEK4JP0k

I have had 4 240's over the years. Can't go wrong with either a auto or a manual. The auto is one of the toughest transmissions ever produced, in any car. The manual and its silly overdrive layout works, but is a continual pain in the butt. The Volvo PVC system, the flame trap, is responsible for lots of owners selling the car prematurely. When it clogs up, oil seeps out the seals, and causes a mess. I picked up all four of my 240's cheap due to the PO thinking they needed engine overhauls. Handling is not very competent stock, but IPD has the fixes for that problem. The 740 turbo cars, '90-92 are the best of the 240 with some style IMO.

Does anyone here know if it is a simple retro-fit to convert the later 240s to the earlier 4 headlight set-up? Not only does the 4 headlight style look better, IMHO, nearly every "flush" headlight car has the lenses totally yellowed and opaque.

just wondering, as these have always been on my short list.

They are surprisingly competent and quick Lemons racers.

The later ones got true 5 speeds (M47) instead of the 4+OD (M46).

Can't find them up here except for outrageous prices. Always wanted one for a Rally car (Right Wheel Drive).

Sonic wrote: They are surprisingly competent and quick Lemons racers with V8 transplants.

FIXED

Joe Gearin wrote: Does anyone here know if it is a simple retro-fit to convert the later 240s to the earlier 4 headlight set-up? Not only does the 4 headlight style look better, IMHO, nearly every "flush" headlight car has the lenses totally yellowed and opaque. just wondering, as these have always been on my short list.

All the earlier parts will bolt right in. The hoods are different for single headlight ones (flat hoods).

Yes, you can convert to the far superior quad lights that were used in Europe and the rest of the world post '86. You see them on eBay now and then. Other than that, quite a bit of fabrication to install the early US lights on a later 240.

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/eat/cto/3949136138.html

Needs a buff job, and minus your yellow headlights. ^^^^^^^

I have resurrected the same 240 wagon twice that was supposedly "dead" each time. I used found objects and random tools each time. We never went back and replaced the "temporary" repairs and the last I'd heard the car was running fine after four years. They are Swedish cockroaches.

I believe it's years 1980 to 87 that have the self destructing wiring harness. Some have been replaced with non-biodegrading harnesses, some not. The harness is NLA and good units are scarce even in junkyards. Dave Barton used to have a bunch for sale but he is running dry. Rust happens, but it's usually nothing terminal. Because they seem to run forever, many current 240 drivers are cheapskates who do minimal maintenance.

My wife was stranded by hers many times because of little problems, but she still thinks of it fondly if that tells you anything.

Best heaters known to man, unstoppable in snow, comfy seats, and an astoundingly tight turning radius. Way more fun to daily drive than they have any right to be.