Volvo B18FT Specifications
| Engine Model: Volvo B18FT |
| Engine Type: 4-cycle 4-cylinder SOHC 8-valve turbocharged liquid-cooled gasoline |
| Total Displacement: 105 cu.in (1.72 L) |
| Rated Engine Power: 118 Hp (88 kW) at 5400 rpm |
| Fuel System Type: Bosch LH-Jetronic 2.4 multi-point fuel injection |
____________________________________________________________________________________
The Volvo B18FT is a 1.7-liter, four-cylinder,
turbocharged and intercooled gasoline engine, developed specifically for
Volvo's 400-series compact cars and the unique 480 sports coupe. This
engine marks Volvo's expansion of turbocharging technology into their
smaller, front-wheel-drive platform during the late 1980s and early
1990s. Based on the Renault-derived B18E/F (N-series) engine block, it
incorporates a Garrett T2 turbocharger, an air-to-air intercooler, and
Bosch LH-Jetronic fuel injection with electronic ignition.
The B18FT is engineered to provide a notable increase in power and
torque over the naturally aspirated versions, offering brisk performance
with the characteristic turbo lag and subsequent surge of the era. Its
design balances increased output with the packaging constraints of a
transverse-mounted, compact car engine bay.
While sharing many components with the Renault F-type engine family, the
B18FT benefits from Volvo's application-specific tuning and robust
intercooling. The engine is known for its responsiveness and reliability
within its power envelope, though components like the turbocharger and
associated vacuum lines require systematic maintenance.
Engine Type: Inline-4 cylinder, transverse-mounted, liquid-cooled,
turbocharged and intercooled, gasoline fuel injection.
Displacement: 1721 cc (1.721 L) / 105.0 cu.in.
Bore x Stroke: 81.0 mm x 83.5 mm / 3.189 in x 3.287 in.
Compression Ratio: 8.0:1. Firing Order: 1-3-4-2.
Direction of Rotation: Clockwise (viewed from the front/flywheel end).
Maximum Power Output: 88 kW (120 PS / 118 hp) at 5400 rpm.
Maximum Torque Output: 185 Nm (136 lb-ft) at 3500 rpm.
Fuel Requirement: Premium unleaded gasoline, 95 RON (91 AKI) minimum.
Emission Standards Compliance: Euro 1.
Material: Cast iron. This block is derived from the Renault
F-type/N-series engine family.
Construction: Deep-skirt design with five main bearing supports. The
block is designed for transverse installation. Main bearing caps are
secured with vertical bolts.
Crankshaft: Cast nodular iron crankshaft. Main bearing journal diameter:
53.0 mm / 2.087 in. Crankpin journal diameter: 45.0 mm / 1.772 in.
Pistons: Aluminum alloy pistons with a dished crown to achieve the 8.0:1
compression ratio. The pistons are cooled by oil spray jets. Connecting
Rods: Forged steel connecting rods.
Material: Aluminum alloy.
Head Construction: Single overhead camshaft (SOHC), 8-valve design (2
valves per cylinder). The camshaft is driven by a timing belt. Valve
Arrangement: Inline valves with a wedge-type combustion chamber. Valves
are actuated via rocker arms and hydraulic lash adjusters, eliminating
the need for manual valve clearance adjustment. Variable Valve Timing:
None. Valve Diameters: Intake: 38.0 mm / 1.496 in. Exhaust: 33.0 mm /
1.299 in.
Injection Type: Bosch LH-Jetronic 2.4 multipoint fuel injection (MPFI).
This is an electronic, speed-density system using a manifold absolute
pressure (MAP) sensor and an air temperature sensor.
Engine Management: Bosch ECU with a separate ignition control unit
(ICU).
Fuel Delivery: A single electric in-tank fuel pump supplies pressure to
the fuel rail.
Fuel Rail and Injectors: Four electronic fuel injectors.
Turbocharger: Garrett T2 turbocharger with an internal wastegate. The
turbocharger is oil-cooled.
Intercooler: Air-to-air intercooler mounted in the front of the vehicle.
Boost Control: A vacuum-operated wastegate actuator regulates maximum
boost pressure to approximately 0.5 bar (7 psi).
Type: Pressure-fed, full-flow filtration with a gear-type oil pump.
Oil Pump: Gear-type pump, driven by the crankshaft.
Oil Filter: Spin-on canister type. Oil Cooler: Not standard on all
applications; some models may have an oil cooler. Oil Capacity
(including filter): 3.8 L / 4.0 US qt.
Recommended Oil Grade: High-quality semi-synthetic or full synthetic
engine oil meeting API SG/SH or later. Viscosity: 10W-40 or 15W-40.
Operating Oil Pressure: 1.5 bar at hot idle, 3.5 - 4.5 bar at 2000 rpm.
Imperial: 22 psi (idle), 51 - 65 psi (2000 rpm).
Type: Pressurized, single-circuit system.
Water Pump: Centrifugal pump, driven by the timing belt.
Thermostat: Wax pellet type, opening temperature 88°C (190°F).
Coolant Capacity: 6.5 L / 6.9 US qt (entire system).
Coolant Type: Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze.
Electrical System: 12-volt negative ground.
Ignition System: Bosch EZ/K or similar electronic distributor-based
ignition. The system includes a knock sensor for retarding timing under
detonation.
Engine Management: Combined Bosch LH-Jetronic (fuel) and EZ/K (ignition)
systems, sharing sensor data. Crankcase Ventilation: Closed Positive
Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) system.
Vacuum System: A network of vacuum lines controls the wastegate
actuator, brake booster, and various engine management functions.
Overall Length: 520 mm / 20.5 in.
Overall Width: 650 mm / 25.6 in.
Overall Height: 600 mm / 23.6 in.
Dry Weight: 115 kg / 254 lbs.
Engine Oil Change Interval: Every 10,000 km or 12 months. Severe service
intervals are 5,000 km or 6 months. Imperial: 6,200 miles / 3,100 miles.
Oil Filter Change: Every oil change. Fuel Filter Change: Every 30,000 km
(18,600 miles). Air Filter Change: Every 30,000 km or as inspected.
Timing Belt Replacement: Critical for engine operation. This is an
interference engine. Replace the timing belt, tensioner, and idler
rollers every 60,000 km (37,300 miles) or 5 years.
The water pump should be replaced concurrently. Spark Plug Replacement:
Copper-core spark plugs require replacement every 15,000 km (9,300
miles). Coolant Replacement: Every 2 years. Valve Adjustment: Not
required. Hydraulic lash adjusters maintain clearance. Turbocharger
Care: Allow a 30-60 second idle period before shutdown after hard
driving to cool the turbocharger. Inspect turbo oil and coolant lines
for leaks during routine service.
Cylinder Head Bolts: Torque-to-yield (TTY) bolts. Tighten in sequence:
Step 1: 40 Nm (30 lb-ft). Step 2: +90° turn. Step 3: Final +90° turn.
Bolts are single-use.
Main Bearing Cap Bolts: 65 Nm (48 lb-ft) + 90° turn.
Connecting Rod Cap Bolts: 40 Nm (30 lb-ft) + 90° turn (replace bolts).
Spark Plugs: 25 Nm (18 lb-ft).
Oil Drain Plug: 30 Nm (22 lb-ft).
Camshaft Sprocket Bolt: 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).
Turbocharger Mounting Nuts: 25 Nm (18 lb-ft).
Wheel Bolts: 110 Nm (81 lb-ft).
The Volvo B18FT engine was used in the
following Volvo 400-series models:
Volvo 480 (1986-1995): 480 Turbo.
Volvo 440 (1988-1996): 440 Turbo.
Volvo 460 (1989-1996): 460 Turbo.
This engine is specific to these front-wheel-drive models. It is
distinct from the earlier, longitudinal B18FT used in the 200-series,
which was a 1.8L unit with a different block architecture and K-Jetronic
fuel injection.
____________________________________________________________________________________
| Car Engines Technical Specifications |
| Small Engines Technical Specifications |
| Industrial Engines Technical Specifications |
| Outboard Engines Technical Specifications |
