Driver's heated seat packed in.
A lot of problems with the carburettor - these are known to be dodgy and good ones in breakers are like rocking-horse crap. They suffer from excessive warpage at the mounting face with the inlet manifold, this results in an induction air leak causing over-weak mixture. This problem will cause hunting and/or stalling at idle and hesitation on acceleration - especially where the second choke cuts in. The carbs also get furred up easily and the spindle seals wear allowing further air leakage - the only remedy is a reconditioned unit.
Piston slap when cold.
Very well built motor.
A bit slow for the engine size, but these are fitted with the 'economy' carb (only 80bhp) so will give upto 45mpg (despite what the critics say about them being thirsty).
Can't beat one for the money - worth somewhere between dog crap and used chewing gum.
Quiet and comfortable - a cut above comparable Escort/Astra.
About the carburettor, you're not the only one. I've just sent in a review of my own volvo 340 DL 1.7,pProbably just minutes after you had sent in yours. That is what you call a coincidence. But indeed cheapest of the cheapest and for the rest a perfect typical no-nonsence-car-to-use.
I have a Volvo 340 GL 1.7, and I have always liked it. And I think that the spoiler does make it look better!
It has generally quite cheap, until the timing belt snapped and LITERALLY blew up the engine! It about £400 to have the top half of the engine replaced, although I'm sure it has changed since then!
I now get less than 25 MPG max. out of it, but I am pretty sure that the BHP has risen slightly. Having had engine all cleaned out, the old girl actually uses all the petrol she drinks, and seems to move pretty quickly when you put your foot down!!
Ahhh the timing belt! Mine was going brilliantly until the timing belt snapped; why does no-one warn you how crucial it is to have these replaced when you buy a second hand car. I have NEVER seen it mentioned on 'tips when buying 2nd hand cars' articles or TV progs.
A friend of mine has a Capri; his timing belt snapped but fortunately for him with the Capri it is not fatal - unlike the 1.7 340!!! The 1.4 has a chain belt and the 360 is double belted. This is a major design flaw as far as I'm concerned.
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Well, as an owner of an old car one should know that the timing belt should be replaced in 40.000 mile intervals. In every car.
360s are NOT double belted!!! That's the alternator belts silly!
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