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MOTRS

740 / 760

1982-1992 / Sedan / Estate / Sweden

All 740 / 760 problems All workshop issues
Critical Engine

Timing Belt Failure

Symptoms

The engine dies instantly, often with a loud slap or clatter. Won't restart. If you're lucky, it just stops; if you're unlucky, bent valves and a destroyed head.

Cause

The B230F and B230FT are interference engines. If the timing belt snaps, the pistons kiss the valves. Belts are supposed to be changed every 100,000 km or 10 years. Most people ignore the time interval.

Fix

Preventive replacement every 10 years or 100,000 km, whichever comes first.

Use a Gates or OEM belt.

Do the tensioner, idler pulley, and water pump at the same time, penny wise, pound foolish not to.

If it's already failed, you're looking at head removal, valve replacement, and possibly piston damage.

Engine-out job.

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// More 740 / 760 problems

Other known issues

Critical Engine

Oil Leaks from Cam Seals and Valve Cover Gasket

Oil puddles under the front of the engine, sometimes dripping onto the exhaust manifold and smoking. The valve cover gasket weeps oil down the side of the block.
Common Engine

Flame Trap Clogging (PCV System)

Rough idle, oil leaks from every seal, oil in the intake tract, sometimes a whistling noise from the crankcase breather.
Critical Engine

Oil Consumption (Turbo Models)

Blue smoke on startup or under boost. Oil level drops a quart every 500-1000 miles.
Critical Cooling System

Radiator and Heater Core Leaks

Sweet smell in the cabin, puddles of coolant under the car, overheating, fogged windscreen that won't clear.
Common Cooling System

Expansion Tank Cracking

Coolant level drops, small puddle under the passenger side of the engine bay, sometimes a pressure release hiss.
Critical Cooling System

Thermostat Sticking

Engine takes forever to warm up, heater blows lukewarm air, or (if stuck closed) the engine overheats.
View all 27 740 / 760 problems