Cambelts on 240GLT

I was just reading another thread and cambelt failure was mentioned; I think in relation to a 240. Excuse my ignorance but can anyone tell me if my engine is regarded as a 'safe' one if the cambelt breaks. In 15 years of owning Volvo 240s, present one for 10 years, I didn't realise this fact, if it's so. I have a 1988 240GLT 2.3 Estate. I know it's not fuel injection so am assuming it's the other 2.3 engine. Thanks

cam belt 

If there is any doubt as to when your belt is last changed get it done. The chances are if it breaks it will cause damage Paul.

B23 is a non interference engine 

cambelts 

I would have thought that your GLT has a B230 engine which I have always thought was an interference engine - checking through numerous old threads on the forum re this it would appear that there is some disagreement as to whether this is the case. (Earlier ones arent, later ones are?) As Mike Brace has said before when this subject has arisen, even if an interference engine breaks a belt it may well not be 'game over' as all that may be required is a valve replacement. Regardless of what ever the advice given is I would proceed on the basis that its an interference engine and make sure that the belt is changed every 40K or so or no longer than 2 years. Better safe than sorry. (Some leave them longer) Oh, by the way, Ive just looked at the picture on your profile - nice looking GLT! Cheers Ian

I'd change it anyway. It's cheap and easy. When you do change it, take the opportunity of testing by hand while the belt is off and then you will KNOW for future reference whether yours is an interference engine or not.

Your GLT should have the B230E which as far as I know is interference. However, you say it's not fuel injection, which if correct, means the engine must have been replaced. Are you sure it's not fuel injected?

My understanding is that the 2 digit motors B21/23 are non interference, but the 3 digit series motors B200/230 etc are interference. But some people claim to have had a B230 survive a belt failure without damage beyond the belt.

here is the truth. Its the head and pistons that are of concern here. most b230e/et/f/ft engines are fitted with 530 or 531 heads, these are all non interference. some b230e and all b230k (carb) engines have the 631 (heron) head, these are interference. all 16 valve engines are interference. To be sure what head you have, look on the side of the head above the exhaust manifold, the cast number is there.