Volvo B230K Specifications
| Engine Model: Volvo B230K |
| Engine Type: 4-cycle inline 4-cylinder SOHC 8-valve liquid-cooled gasoline |
| Total Displacement: 141.3 cu.in (2.31 L) |
| Rated Engine Power: 96 Hp (72 kW) at 4800 rpm |
| Fuel System Type: Single or twin-barrel carburetor |
____________________________________________________________________________________
The Volvo B230K engine is a carbureted
inline-four cylinder gasoline powerplant from Volvo's red-block family.
Introduced in the mid-1980s, this engine was developed as a
cost-effective and mechanically simple power unit for base model
vehicles and markets with less stringent emissions requirements. The "K"
suffix denotes the use of a carburetor, specifically a Solex or Zenith
downdraft unit, in contrast to the fuel-injected variants.
Based on the robust B230 architecture, it features a cast iron block and
cylinder head, a five-bearing crankshaft, and an eight-valve single
overhead camshaft (SOHC) design driven by a timing belt. The B230K is
characterized by its simplicity, low-end torque, and legendary
durability. While not a high-performance unit, it provides dependable
service with minimal complexity, making it a favorite for applications
where fuel injection was undesirable or unnecessary. This engine served
as a workhorse in taxis, fleet vehicles, and base model passenger cars
across various global markets.
Engine family: B230 (Red Block).
Engine type: Inline-four cylinder, four-stroke Otto cycle, carbureted.
Displacement: 2316 cc (141.3 cubic inches).
Bore: 96.0 mm (3.780 inches).
Stroke: 80.0 mm (3.150 inches).
Compression ratio: 9.5:1.
Maximum power output: 96 Hp (72 kW) at 4800 rpm.
Maximum torque output: 124 lb-ft (168 Nm) at 2750 rpm.
Firing order: 1-3-4-2.
Engine orientation: Longitudinal (RWD applications) or Transverse (FWD
applications).
Aspiration: Naturally aspirated.
Fuel type: Gasoline.
Recommended oil grade: SAE 15W-40 or 10W-40.
Oil capacity: 4.8 liters (5.1 U.S. quarts), including filter.
Coolant capacity: 8.5 liters (9.0 U.S. quarts).
The cylinder block is a cast iron unit, part of Volvo's red block
family. It is a deep-skirt design providing exceptional rigidity and
strength. The block incorporates four cylinder bores with a generous
bore spacing. The crankshaft is supported by five main bearings, a
design that ensures smooth operation and long bearing life. The
crankshaft is a forged steel component. Main bearing caps are cast iron
and secured with two vertical bolts each.
Connecting rods are forged from steel. Pistons are cast aluminum alloy
with a dished crown to achieve the 9.5:1 compression ratio. Each piston
is fitted with three rings: two compression rings and one three-piece
oil control ring. The block features large water jackets for effective
cooling and reinforced main bearing webs to handle load.
The cylinder head is a cast iron, crossflow design. It employs a single
overhead camshaft (SOHC) driven by a toothed timing belt. The valvetrain
uses eight valves total (two valves per cylinder). Valve actuation is
direct; the camshaft lobes act on inverted bucket-type followers.
Valve clearance is adjusted by replacing shims located atop the
followers, requiring special tools for measurement and replacement. The
crossflow design positions the intake and exhaust manifolds on opposite
sides of the head, improving volumetric efficiency. Intake valves are
larger than exhaust valves. Valve seats are hardened. The combustion
chamber is a hemispherical design. The camshaft is supported by five
bearings within the cylinder head.
The fuel system is a conventional carburetor setup. The B230K uses a
single downdraft carburetor, either a Solex 34-34 CISAC or a Zenith
175/180. This is a twin-barrel, fixed-venturi carburetor with an
automatic choke for cold starting. A mechanical fuel pump, driven by an
eccentric on the camshaft, draws fuel from the tank and delivers it to
the carburetor float chamber.
The system includes a manual fuel cut-off solenoid for emissions
control. A vacuum-operated diaphragm controls the distributor's advance
mechanism. The carburetor system is simple but requires periodic
adjustment of the idle mixture and speed, and synchronization of the
twin barrels if applicable. An air cleaner with a replaceable paper
filter is standard.
The lubrication system is a pressure-fed, full-flow filtration wet-sump
design. A gear-type oil pump is driven directly by the crankshaft. Oil
is drawn from the steel oil pan through a pickup screen. The oil is
pressurized and forced through a full-flow, spin-on cartridge oil
filter. From the filter housing, oil feeds the main gallery in the
cylinder block.
It supplies the crankshaft's five main bearings and connecting rod
bearings via drilled passages. A separate oil passage feeds the cylinder
head, lubricating the camshaft bearings and the valvetrain. Oil returns
to the sump via drain holes in the head and block. Oil pressure is
monitored by a sender unit for a dashboard gauge or warning light.
The cooling system is a pressurized, forced-circulation system. A
centrifugal water pump is driven by the timing belt. Coolant circulates
through the block and head, regulated by a wax-pellet thermostat housed
in a casting on the front of the cylinder head. The system uses an
aluminum or copper-brass radiator. Engine cooling is supplemented by an
electrically driven fan controlled by a thermoswitch.
The ignition system is a conventional breaker-point or electronic
system, using a single coil and a distributor. The distributor is driven
by a skew gear from the camshaft. A vacuum advance unit is connected to
the carburetor. The engine employs a closed crankcase ventilation (PCV)
system.
The external dimensions of the B230K engine are substantial due to its
cast iron construction and inline-four configuration. Approximate length
is 720 mm (28.35 inches). Approximate width is 660 mm (25.98 inches).
Approximate height is 710 mm (27.95 inches). These dimensions include
the carburetor, air cleaner, and alternator. The weight of a complete
B230K engine, with all fluids and standard accessories, is approximately
170 kg (375 lbs). The all-iron construction is the primary contributor
to this mass.
Engine oil and filter changes are required every 8000 km (5,000 miles)
or every 6 months. The timing belt and tensioner are critical;
replacement every 80,000 km (50,000 miles) or 5 years is mandatory to
prevent catastrophic interference engine damage. Valve clearance
inspection and adjustment via shim replacement is necessary every 40,000
km (25,000 miles).
The carburetor requires periodic adjustment of idle speed and mixture.
The points and condenser (if equipped) need adjustment or replacement
every 10,000 km (6,200 miles). Spark plugs should be replaced every
20,000 km (12,400 miles). The fuel filter requires replacement every
30,000 km (18,600 miles). Coolant should be replaced every 2 years.
Torque values are for clean, dry threads. Cylinder head bolts are
tightened in a specific multi-stage sequence: final torque 65 Nm (48
lb-ft) plus an additional 90-degree turn. Main bearing cap bolts: 75 Nm
(55 lb-ft). Connecting rod cap bolts: 50 Nm (37 lb-ft).
Crankshaft pulley bolt: 150 Nm (111 lb-ft). Camshaft sprocket bolt: 70
Nm (52 lb-ft). Spark plugs: 25 Nm (18 lb-ft). Oil drain plug: 40 Nm (30
lb-ft). Carburetor mounting nuts: 20 Nm (15 lb-ft). Exhaust manifold
nuts: 30 Nm (22 lb-ft). Flywheel bolts: 80 Nm (59 lb-ft).
The Volvo B230K engine was utilized in a wide array of Volvo models
during the 1980s and early 1990s, primarily as a base engine.
Applications include: Volvo 240 (244, 245) for base models in various
markets. Volvo 740 (744, 745) as the entry-level engine. Volvo 940 (944,
945) in early base model configurations. Volvo 760 in some specific
low-specification markets. It was also used in the Volvo 260 series in
certain regions.
The engine was common in taxi and fleet service due to its simplicity
and durability. Production of the carbureted B230K ceased as fuel
injection became standard worldwide to meet emissions regulations. It
was succeeded across the range by fuel-injected variants like the B230F.
____________________________________________________________________________________
| Car Engines Technical Specifications |
| Small Engines Technical Specifications |
| Industrial Engines Technical Specifications |
| Outboard Engines Technical Specifications |
