1977 Volvo 244 dl review from North America
"A good solid car basically"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Both rear tires had semi-slow leaks so replaced those.
Glovebox replaced with newer one with mirror.
Replaced distributor cap and rotor.
New Air filter and sparkplugs.
Replaced expansion tank cap and cooling system hoses. Blew an upper rad hose on the highway before this that caused the engine to overheat.
Headgasket blew a couple days after this. Basically it's a steam engine at this point.
Replaced flame trap.
Committed myself to a head gasket replacement job. replaced the Headgasket, waterpump gaskets, intake and exhaust gaskets, all the belts. Had head machined at local shop, fixed minor engine faults while at this as well, new wax thermostat and oil sensor.
Motor is nice and clean and started up again quickly, runs great now and should last a long time.
Replaced right hand motor mount.
General comments?
Fuel economy is poor and I wish I could find a Canadian supplier close to Nanaimo BC that could supply a carb kit for a SU HIF6 carb.
I have discovered when you have an older motor like this one to be very careful when replacing cooling system hoses and expansion tank caps. Replacing one places stress on the others and so forth. Ultimately it may have been these hose replacements that caused stress to the headgasket and blew it.
Recommended Reviews:
 | Good sedan for it's age |
Safe reliable no-frills option |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | B21A Automatic |
| Performance marks | 6/10 |
| Reliability marks | 7/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 8/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 237000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 257000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Pontiac Sunbird |
| Date of Entry | 14th December, 2003 |