Question about the 'normal sound' of a B230F engine

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Jamie - 19 Jun 2006 15:11 GMT

I am in the process of trying to transfer video from my camcorder to
the internet and should have this done by tonight. What I did was
attempt to capture the audio of my engine, and my camcorder just
happens to be all I have.

At any rate - I just want folks to hear (and see) my engine running and
tell me if they think it sounds within normal limits. Next month I'll
be pulling the valve cover off and checking the valves to be sure.
Until then, I am mainly curious.

Here's my deal. I really don't know how a 20 year old Volvo engine
(B230F) should sound. I don't think I hear tapping - I'd recognize that
sound. I've had engines that would be purring like a kitten, then there
would be that distinct "tick-tick-tick-tick-tick-tick-tick-tick-".

This isn't my issue. My engine just sounds loud - sort of like a
diesel. I don't hear anything like a piston slap or valve tap. I'm just
comparing it to sounds that I know from various engines - and most all
engines hum, like "VVVVVRRRRRRRRRRRRR".

This engine sounds more like a diesel with it's seemingly loud and
hollow mechanics. Does the B230F have a louder, more distinctive sound,
or should it sound like any other car?

Not to be exaggerated, it isn't so loud that you're holding your ears,
it's just loud enough that you hear the engine, where as in most cars
you can't even tell the engine is running unless you give it gas.

I feel like I am talking to Click and Clack the tappet brothers on "Car
Talk" radio. My car sounds like "GGGGGGRRRRRRRRRRR" and should it sound
like "VVVVVRRRRRRRR"?

Jamie

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hjsjms@cs.com - 19 Jun 2006 15:29 GMT

> I am in the process of trying to transfer video from my camcorder to
> the internet and should have this done by tonight. What I did was
[quoted text clipped - 29 lines]
>
> Jamie

It should be relatively quiet with a smooth steady idle. There will be
a bit of vibration at idle because it is a 4 cylinder. Two of the
loudest noises from that engine will be the fan followed by the air
intake at any speed above an idle. At idle it should be quiet.

If the engine is otherwise in tune and runing smoothy you may have a
leak in the exhaust system. Or, a large leak in the air intake (air
filter all but disconnected) can have a howling rumbly sound.

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Jamie - 19 Jun 2006 15:55 GMT

Thanks. I can safely say I don't think it's any of those.

I think in a way, it's sort of like the fuel injector sound - amplified
about 5 times.

I still think the diesel sound is most accurate. Like when you're
sitting at a stop and a Volkswagon diesel pulls up beside you - you
know it's there and you hear the engine.

> > I am in the process of trying to transfer video from my camcorder to
> > the internet and should have this done by tonight. What I did was
[quoted text clipped - 38 lines]
> leak in the exhaust system. Or, a large leak in the air intake (air
> filter all but disconnected) can have a howling rumbly sound.

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Jamie - 19 Jun 2006 16:04 GMT

I may replace the exhaust manifold gaskets. I checked the bolts and
they are in good enough shape to come off easily.

Then I'll check the spark plugs/gaps, as the mechanic replaced them.

Then will come a new valve cover gasket when I check valve clearances.

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Boris Mohar - 19 Jun 2006 18:59 GMT

>I may replace the exhaust manifold gaskets. I checked the bolts and
>they are in good enough shape to come off easily.
>
>Then I'll check the spark plugs/gaps, as the mechanic replaced them.
>
>Then will come a new valve cover gasket when I check valve clearances.

Pull out the spark plug boots and if you have any black deposit than it is
one or more of the exhaust manifold gaskets. If you do not have any black
deposit it could still be the manifold gaskets leaking in different
direction.

Regards,

Boris Mohar

Got Knock? - see:
Viatrack Printed Circuit Designs (among other things) http://www.viatrack.ca

void _-void-_ in the obvious place

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Jamie - 19 Jun 2006 19:47 GMT

Thanks. I think tonight I am going to "SeaFoam" the engine. I'll post
the updates.

> >I may replace the exhaust manifold gaskets. I checked the bolts and
> >they are in good enough shape to come off easily.
[quoted text clipped - 16 lines]
>
> void _-void-_ in the obvious place

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James Sweet - 20 Jun 2006 05:23 GMT

>>I may replace the exhaust manifold gaskets. I checked the bolts and
>>they are in good enough shape to come off easily.
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
> deposit it could still be the manifold gaskets leaking in different
> direction.

I find the easiest way to find leaks is wait until the engine is cold,
then start it up and feel around the exhaust manifold with your fingers.
Be careful as it heats up pretty quickly.

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Robert - 25 Jun 2006 00:42 GMT

My 1993 940 with the same engine reminds me of an old Mercedes
diesel...it's kind of got a rough-ish rumbling sound at low RPMs...it's
had that for about the last five years, it seems it developed over
time. I'd suppose it's normal, I haven't had any major problems.

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Clay - 19 Jun 2006 23:42 GMT

> I am in the process of trying to transfer video from my camcorder to
> the internet and should have this done by tonight. What I did was
[quoted text clipped - 29 lines]
>
> Jamie

Any other Volvo's in your town with B230F engine you could listen to for
comparison?
Chase one down on the highway and ask them if you can listen under their
hood. (Don't try this in LA, might get shot at...*g*)

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Jamie - 20 Jun 2006 01:12 GMT

I thought about that, and yes, there is 1 just like mine in town, and
then a 1994. I need to do this.

I think my conclusion is that I will find 1-2 valves out of spec
tomorrow when I pull the cover.

> > I am in the process of trying to transfer video from my camcorder to
> > the internet and should have this done by tonight. What I did was
[quoted text clipped - 34 lines]
> Chase one down on the highway and ask them if you can listen under their
> hood. (Don't try this in LA, might get shot at...*g*)

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