242 / 244 / 245

1974-1993 / Sedan / Estate / Sweden

All 242 / 244 / 245 problems All workshop issues

Critical Engine

Clogged PCV system (flame trap, oil separator box)

Symptoms

Oil leaks from multiple places, rough idle, high oil consumption, smoke from the engine bay. Sometimes the oil filler cap pops off under pressure.

Cause

The PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) system recirculates blow-by gases. The flame trap (a mesh filter) and oil separator box get clogged with sludge, especially on short-trip cars. Blocked breathers create crankcase pressure, which forces oil past every seal.

Fix

Replace the flame trap (cheap, about $5-10, part lives under the intake manifold) and clean or replace the oil separator box.

Volvo designed this as a service item, but many owners forget it exists.

Also replace any collapsed or oil-soaked breather hoses.

Do this every 50,000 km or if you see oil leaks appearing everywhere at once.

Cost mentioned in fix

$5-10,

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Other known issues

Minor Engine

Oil leaks from valve cover, front crank seal, and rear main seal

Seepage or drips from the valve cover gasket, front timing cover, or rear of the engine. Oil may pool on top of the gearbox bell housing or drip onto the subframe. You'll smell burning oil if it hits the exhaust.

Common Engine

Piston ring wear and oil consumption (LH 2.4 engines, 2010-2018 T5/T6)

Engine burns oil between changes, blue smoke on startup or acceleration. Spark plugs may foul. Not specific to the 240, but worth noting for anyone considering newer Volvos.

Critical Engine

Timing belt and water pump failure

Belt snaps, engine stops immediately. If it's an interference engine (all B21/B23 are), valves hit pistons. Game over. Water pump failure causes overheating, coolant loss.

Critical Engine

Fuel injector clogging and leaking (K-Jetronic, LH 2.2/2.4)

Rough idle, hesitation, hard starting, fuel smell. One or more cylinders run lean or rich. LH 2.4 injectors (yellow-top) can leak when hot.

Critical Engine

Fuel pump and relay failure

Car cranks but won't start, or cuts out randomly. Sometimes you'll hear the pump prime when you turn the ignition on; other times, silence.

Common Cooling System

Leaking radiator, hoses, and heater core

Coolant drips or puddles under the car, sweet smell, overheating, steam from under the bonnet. Heater core leaks soak the passenger footwell.

View all 24 242 / 244 / 245 problems