242 / 244 / 245

1974-1993 / Sedan / Estate / Sweden

All 242 / 244 / 245 problems All workshop issues

Critical Engine

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

Symptoms

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.

Cause

Old fuel leaves varnish deposits. Injectors clog or seals perish. The 240's continuous injection system (K-Jetronic or LH) is sensitive to fuel quality. Leaking injectors wash down cylinder walls, dilute oil, and create a fire risk.

Fix

Remove injectors, send them for ultrasonic cleaning and flow testing (many shops do this for $10-20 per injector).

Replace O-rings and seals.

If they're beyond saving, get a tested set from a breaker or buy new.

For LH 2.2, use black-top injectors.

LH 2.4 uses yellow-tops.

Do not mix them, different flow rates.

Cost mentioned in fix

$10-20 per injector

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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.

Critical Engine

Clogged PCV system (flame trap, oil separator box)

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

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 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.

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