This page could be found on VCNA's website but suddenly disappeared. Since we think it contains some useful information we have put a copy of it here on our website. Volvo 164 Club of Sweden, January 15, 2001.

PARTS FAMILIARIZATION WORKBOOK NO. 3
700
Section 1: Introduction, Engine/Electrical
North America has become the largest car market for Volvo, continuing a trend started with the 140 and reinforced with the 240-260.

Work began on the 700 in the early 1970s and progressed into the early 1980s. The body size was similar to the 240/260, but every effort was made to make the interior more spacious. Proven features like the front engine, rear drive design were carried over from the 240/260.
The 1983 760 GLE sedan led the way into North America and was soon followed in 1985 by the 760 GLE station wagon and the 740 GLE sedan and station wagon. An attractive limited production two-door model, the 780, was introduced in 1987. Under the skin, these models share many common parts.
The 700 carries on with the Volvo tradition of refinement, refinement and more refinement! Much of what you have already learned from Workbooks No. I and No. 2 will carry over to this workbook. Plus, there is more to learn.

Keep in mind that the 700s are more than just a descendent of earlier Volvos. Technical developments introduced in the 1970s and 1980s have given way to even more challenging advances.

New systems will increase the complexity of most new cars. These systems will enable all cars to stop better, handle better and contribute as never before to safer driving. Electronics will be even more important in the car of the 1990s.

These changes require that the design of a car (called a platform by some) be able to accommodate as many current and future technical advances as possible. This means getting it right the first time, not having to redesign the whole platform later. It's not new -- as you already know. Volvo has practiced this for years.

However, this idea has never been more important than it is now. The competitive car market of the late 1980s is not a very forgiving place. It's much more complex than the market of the 1960s. Back in those days, a vehicle platform had to accommodate a trickle of technological changes. Today, a platform faces a flood of changes.

The 700 represents advanced planning. It's a flexible design well-suited to tackle the future car marketplace.

The 700 were introduced in North America using the proven engine and drivetrain combinations previously covered in Section III of Workbook No. 2, 240/260. For instance, the six-cylinder B-28F and four-cylinder B-23OF engines were installed in many models from 1983 through 1986. Other engines were installed, but more information about this will be provided later on.

(NOTE: This workbook applies to 700 North American models through the 1987 model year.)

The continued growth of the genuine Volvo parts marketplace is closely tied to the 700. These cars represents the promise of tomorrow.

The 240/260 will be remembered as the shining light of the 1980s from the Volvo parts point of view.
The following engines have been installed in the 700:
  Number of 
DesignationType CylindersModel
B-28FGasV-6760 GLE
B-28OFGasV-6760 GLE
D-24TTurbo dieselIn-line six760 GLE
B-23FTTurbo gasFour760 GLE
B-23OFGasFour740 GLE
B-23OFTTurbo gasFour760 GLE
740 GLE

As a refresher, the 28 in B-28F refers to the engine size (2.8 liters, 2,849 cc rounded to 2,800). The "bee two eighty" (B-280) is also a 2.8 liter engine.
The B-23FT listed above was installed in a very limited number of 760 GLES in 1984-85. A new Turbo engine was in the wings ... the B-230FT was first installed in the 1985 models and represents the majority of 700 gas Turbo models on the road. All 700 cars with gas engines have a catalytic converter, Lambda-sond system and advanced fuel/ignition systems to control emissions.
TIP: The B-28F, B-23FT and B-23OF have already been described in Workbook No. 2 (240/260). As a general rule, the internal engine parts (pistons, rods, bearings, camshafts, etc.) are the same for the 700.

However, a number of external engine parts differences do exist. These include changes to specific parts and/or locations for the 700 in the fuel and exhaust systems.

TIP:Never assume, for instance, that a piston for the 1985 740 with a B-23OF engine is the same as one for a 1985 240 with a B-230F.

You may have already noticed three new engines listed above (the D-24T, B-23OFT and B-280F) that have not been previously mentioned. These engines are only installed in the 700 (as of 1987). Below is a brief description of each.

D-24T

Remember the D-24 described in Workbook No. 2?
Did you ever watch the old movie King Kong?
And the movie sequel Son of Kong?

Well, if you did, then consider the D-24T to be the "Son of Kong." It's a heavier, more powerful edition of the D-24 installed in the 240. The 1983-84 760 GLE could be ordered with this six-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine. Many internal and external engine parts were revised from the D-24 because of the increased power (T for turbocharged). This Turbo diesel is the only diesel engine to be installed in the 700.
When looking up parts for a D-24T, be aware that the engine is available in a number of varieties. These include manual or automatic transmission and California versions. Knowing both the VIN and engine number can help to determine the correct parts numbers when you buy your parts.


B-23OFT

The B-23F-Turbo gasoline engine was replaced in 1985 with a new Turbo engine, the B230F-Turbo. This new engine is an offshoot of the B-23OF low-friction engine described in Workbook No. 2. The proven cast-iron block, aluminum cross-flow cylinder head and overhead camshaft design first introduced with the B-21 in 1976 was continued.
All turbochargers fitted on Volvos (both 240 and 700 cars) contain a center bearing that is force-fed a stream of fresh engine oil to run properly. Clean oil is crucial to the life of a turbocharger, and that's why oil change intervals are more frequent for Turbo models. Even with a supply of clean oil, that bearing gets very hot. Volvo turbochargers are made especially for Volvo by two companies: Garrett in the United States or Mitsubishi in Japan.
Starting with the 1987 models, a water-cooled jacket was added to the turbochargers to provide even more cooling for the center bearing. If you need to replace your or service your turbo, installation kits may be available so that enables the water-cooled Turbos to fit older 700 and 240 Turbo models.

The B-23OF-Turbo contains modern high-performance goodies like an intercooler and LH fuel injection. An accessory parts kit (Turbo+) adds a 20% horsepower boost to an already potent engine!

B-280F

Starting with the 1987 760 GLE sedan and station wagons, a new V-6 was introduced to replace the B-28F. The B-280F provided a smoother idle, better fuel economy, easier serviceability and improved performance. It is a wet-liner, all-aluminum, overhead camshaft engine. Although the basic design was similar to the older engine, many new parts were added.

These new parts include the crankshaft, camshaft, oil system, intake/exhaust valves, intake manifold, cooling fan, fuel injection system and ignition system.
The B-280F is a different engine than the B-28F when major engine repair parts are considered. The new fuel system (LH-Jetronic 2.2) has more in common with the four cylinder B-23OF and B-23OFT than the older B-28F.
By now you must be thinking -- as soon as I learn something, it gets more complicated! Yes, you're right ...

Listed below are descriptions of a few fast-moving 700 parts and locations to remember:
Timing Belts -- On all engines except the B-280F and B-28F, the overhead camshaft is driven by a toothed rubber timing belt. This part requires replacement at regular intervals, as indicated in the owner's manual. The B-28F and B280F have chains.
Air Filters -- A flat, pleated-paper air filter is located in a housing in the engine compartment in all 700 models. Air filter part numbers (as well as size and shape) vary by each engine type. Replacement intervals are listed in the Owner's Manual.
NOTE: Beginning with all 1986 model Volvos, the oil and oil filter change interval was LOWERED from 7,500 miles/12,500 kilometers to 5,000 miles/8,000 kilometers for all engines. The exact oil and filter change intervals and conditions appear in the owner's manual.

Fuel Filters/Fuel Pumps
The fuel filter and fuel pump for the B-230F, B-230FT and B-280F are located under the middle of the car on a u-shaped bracket (the 240/260 have the pump next to the gas tank). The filter for the B-28F is located on the left side in the engine compartment on the firewall, and the pump is under the middle of the car like the others.
Sound easy enough? It gets more complicated!

It's a rare thing these days to see a new car with a mechanical fuel pump attached to the side of the block (like the pump on B-18 engines described in Workbook No. 1) or even a single electric fuel pump located next to the gas tank (like the B-20E or B-20F described in Workbook No. 2). Most new cars have a combination of pumps.

Generally speaking, all 700s have the following parts in the fuel system (except diesels):

A pump INSIDE the gas tank (called a tank pump or pre-pump) that is combined with the fuel gauge sending unit. This pump/ sending unit also has a filter on the end, but the filter rarely needs replacement.
2. Another fuel pump in the 700s is located OUTSIDE the gas tank under the middle of the car. Cars equipped with the B-28F engine have a large, round part called an accumulator on the same bracket next to the fuel pump. The accumulator is not a fuel filter or fuel pump. All other gas engines have the fuel filter in this location.

TIP: Make sure when you tell your Volvo technician, "I need a fuel pump for a late-model Volvo," that you mean the fuel pump OUTSIDE of the gas tank.
The Volvo 700 diesel engines do not have electric pumps. Instead, they rely on the fuel injection pump on the side of the engine block to suck the fuel from the tank. (The expression, "that sucker really goes" truly applies to diesels.)
Air Conditioning

A new air conditioning design is installed on the 700 and is available in three versions:
  • A manually controlled heater without air conditioning;
  • A manually controlled heater with A/C;
  • A climate-control system that combines the A/C functions with the rieating system and keeps the interior of the car at a selected temperature (called automatic temperature control).

The ATC system installed on selected 700 car models represents the first time a system of this type has been made available on a North American Volvo.
In addition to adding refrigerant to the system and replacing the compressor belt, the following parts might need replacement on high-mileage cars:
  • Pressure hoses
  • Compressor clutch
  • Receiver drier
  • Temperature sensors
  • Expansion valve
  • Fan motor
  • Water valve (heater valve)


The cooling system on all engine types has an aluminum water pump to circulate coolant throughout the engine block, cylinder head and heater core in the A/C unit.

Volvo hose clamps are designed to be compatible with Volvo hoses. Makes sense, doesn't it? They have smooth internal surfaces and will not cut the hoses when tightened. Many aftermarket varieties cut the hoses.

Emission Parts

The combinations of emissions systems and their individual parts described in Workbook No. 2 (240/260) apply to the 700.

Study the parts pictured below. Relate the picture with the name. You may realize that a few of these parts that affect emissions also belong to other parts systems (like fuel, exhaust and ignition). Take your time.
Not shown are the many sensors, plugs, hoses, gaskets, senders and valves that make the emission system work correctly.

Electrical
A 12-volt lead plate battery was installed on most 1983-87 700s. As a general rule, four-cylinder cars have a 55 amp-hour rating; six-cylinder gas engine cars have a 66 amp-hour rating, and the Turbo diesel has a 90 amp hour rating.
The batteries are maintenance-free and housed in a tray that prevents any acid from reaching the body. Genuine Volvo replacement batteries are designed and tested specifically for the 700. It gets very cold in Northern Sweden -- a real test for car batteries. For this reason, genuine Volvo batteries are the best choice.
The 700 use an alternator with a built-in voltage regulator just like the later 240. Advances in electronics have reduced the size of the regulator. Be aware that regulators may appear different in physical size but perform the same function.
Starter motors for all models are available. While most starters are manufactured by Robert Bosch for Volvo, some Turbo diesels came equipped with Hitachi starters.

The electrical system on the 700 is designed to handle luxury upmarket features. These include the features discussed in the 260 (Workbook No. 2), plus new ones:
  • Electrically heated outside mirrors.
  • Time-delay switches mounted on the instrument panel to control the heated mirrors and rear window.
  • Automatic temperature control.
  • Special switches containing indicator lamps.
  • Fluid level indicators.
  • Courtesy lights in the doors.
  • Additional relays located on the fuse block as well as in the engine compartment.


The heart of the electrical system is the central electrical unit. This is located behind the ashtray in all 1983-87 700s. It is a combination of a fuse block and relay panel.
Blade-type fuses slide into the slots. A spare fuse or two are provided along with a tool for removing a fuse.

Ignition System

All 700 with gas engines have an electronic, breakerless ignition system. As you are aware, Turbo diesels (like all diesels) do not have an ignition system like a gas engine.

The 1983-86 760 GLE with the B-28F has the distributor located in the right rear of the engine. The 1984 760 GLE with the B-23FT has the distributor located in left front of the engine.
Big changes occurred with the 1985 models and the introduction B-230F and B-230FT engines. With these engines, the distributor is located at the top rear facing the firewall. The B-280F, introduced in selected 1987 models, has the distributor located in the top left front of the engine. No matter where the location may be, a distributor cap, rotor and wireset are available separately for each distributor. A third brakelight was added to all 1986 models for the first time.