Without going into the gory details the otherwise running fine 245- 1982 went up the creek. Oh it hurts, but what to do? The engine needs to be rebuilt or replaced. Any comments on the best choice. I'm in a pinch and need transport to get to work Balt-Wash area. I would be interested in buying a 240 of a similiar year A.S.A.P.

I was just visiting in that area too, can't believe the prices I saw for some old brikters, an 87 for $1000, and a couple for $850 and less. check out the classifieds, you can get a deal and keep on trucking.

I've seen a few older 240s advertised in the Washington Post classifieds (Sunday). The most recent "Car Pages" section I have now is July 7th, but there's a '79 wagon, "runs well, solid body", for $550 in no. VA, and an '82 240 w/4spd+OD, "runs perf." for $650obo, also in VA. I don't know if either would still be available, but if you want contact info drop me an email at towerymt@yahoo.com.

You could also try Brian Leppin at volvousedparts.com for a used engine. I don't know if he'd have any B21F engines, but he typically offers a 100 day warranty and will sometimes deliver within the area (he's in southern MD).

There's a junkyard up in Jessup, MD (Crazy Ray's) that usually had a couple of 240s when I used to go more often. They charge about $125 for an engine w/o accesories, but make sure it's good before you pull it. There are also a couple of yards in PG County, but I've never been (Brandywine).

Good luck.
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An '82 normally has the B21F engine, and most on the east coast are of the K-jet type -- a few are of the very early LH-jet type.

You said you're in need of transportation. If the car is in decent shape, look around for a good used motor to drop in it. Find the exact motor, and don't try swapping in a K-jet if you have the LH, or vice versa.

If you go this route, be sure to install a new rear main seal in the replacement engine, and examine the engine wiring harness carefully. If the harness insulation has started to crumbling, consider replacing it before the engine's in the car.

Also think about the front engine seals, timing belt and tensioner, and the water pump.

I was given a decent '82 245 with a blown motor, and bought a good used motor for $100. The motor has only 72k miles on it. When the weather cools and dries, I'll think about dropping it in.
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Don Foster (near Cape Cod, MA)

If you are a backyard wrench with the basics, an engine swap is not too hard to do. If your ø45 is not in dire need of other attention....go for the swap. Check the local junk (bone) yards for a used 23F.....they are a dime a dozen up here in the NE. Have fun !!!
Al: 84-242GLT; 89- 245DL

Thanks for the feedback. It's always hard to get perspective when it feels as if a blowtorch is trimming the short-n-curlys. I'd like to do the engine fix-up because the car is in decent shape. The time frame is the trouble spot. I had the car towed to my parents driveway and they do not want to see it sitting there when they return from a summer month in France! The usual crunch, time-money-ability,needs to be juggled. I just checked out a 76 Chevy van for $800.
Easy to get on the road without the demanding MD state inspection (historic tags). The overall plan was to have a back up vehicle ready to go, just not this soon. My mind is slipping and I have to confirm the engine type and fuel injection set up. What's the best way to evaluate a used engine from a pick and pull lot? I saw someone in Maine had a classified for a 82 240 for sale, but I can't figure out how to respond to the posting. I've registered on brickbord, what else do I do? Anyway and the misery continues, death on the installment plan.