Just a question about the proper grade of gas for an '88 240. I've always been told 89 octane, and i've been using it for a couple of years now (since i got the car). So...with gas prices up this high, is 87 octane acceptable? My mechanic said that due to the compression ratios of the B230F, the higher grade was much better for the engine. Any advice/info would be appreciated.

1988 240DL 152K(?)

I think quality is more important than octane I have been running "Regular unleaded" (87 I think) from a truck stop that sells a huge amount of gas 3 years in the wifes and a year now in mine... no problems, but the wife fueled up at a "discount wholesale club" about a year ago and we was about a month getting it running right again...
Bret
--
rust free in west Texas

you can use the lowest grade that does not result in knocking.
--
Kenric Tam
1990 Volvo 740 base sedan (B230F)
My Volvo 'Project'

87 Octane is fine. Contrary to popular myth there will be no loss of economy or power.
However if your engine has heavy carbon deposits you may experience pre ignition (aka knock or pinging) due the higher compression from those deposits.
--
David Hunter

The owner's manual for my '88 says 87 or higher, I've used '87 for the last 6 years and it runs like a champ.
Dave Shannon
Spring Valley, California (San Diego area)
'84-245 200K+
'84-245T 190K+
'85-244Ti 200K+
'88-240 180K+
'01 Jeep Wrangler Sahara 10K
www.volvo2.homestead.com (Opens new window)