Not a big deal, but I'm curious. My '94 945's engine indicates that it's a 230FD. I haven't seen the suffix 'D' in other posts and wondered if I have an oddball engine, or if this is normal. I checked on parts at a dealer and when he discovered this, he seemed surprised.
Thank you, Mark
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'94 940 Wagon, '84 240 turbo sedan

I have seen NUMEROUS timing belt failure on 4 cyl Volvos (2V engines fortuneately). EVERY last one had over 125,000 miles on the factory belt, the fellas I know that are dedicated Volvo Techs have verified that even the "old" belts are almost 100% good to 100,000 miles even though the interval is officially 60,000. I would NEVER consider changing a 4 cyl 2V belt early unless I had to get into it to repair an oil leak or change that water pump anyway.
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JohnG 1989 245 MT @216,500

F.Y.I. ,

All owners should check this website to get breakdown on identification of a 940.



http://www.volvoworld.com/900/Production.htm


R.E.C.

The "D" suffix indicates the change to the round-toothed timing belt with a longer replacement interval. Distributor location is unchanged.

...the real surprise is that the parts guy didn't know this.
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Bob (81-244GL B21F, 83-244DL B23F, 94-944 B230FD plus grocery-getter Dodge minivan, MGB, and numerous old motorcycles)

Thanks much for the peace of mind. I can change a timing belt, but don't really want to just now. I have about 40k miles on mine and my local mechanic says to do it every 30k. At least I can wait til warmer weather.
Thanks,
Mark
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'94 940 Wagon, '84 240 turbo sedan

This timing belt, on the later 940 and the final year of 240, is the round-toothed "100K" belt. There shouldn't be any need to change the belt early, UNLESS you've got oil leaks at the crank or cam seal. And keeping your flame trap in good shape ought to prevent those leaks.
Inspecting the belt should tell you if you've got leaks- it should be totally free of oil on the belt.
The belts on the "normal" older engine were recommended for a 50K change out. They'd go up to 100K before breaking if all was well. The later engines do indeed allow for longer, scheduled 100K changes. But I would always change the cam seals when it's done. They're cheap insurance.
I recently replaced a belt that stripped teeth with 45K on it- the oil seals had 145K, and they were shot, pouring oil into the timing cover.
The mechanic may be extra cautious, having dealt with some 16V cars before- they have severe oil leak problems, with 6 total front engine seals instead of 3. When THOSE belts break, it's time to junk the car- the repair is VERY expensive- >$2000. They have 2 belts as well. I recommend about a 35K belt change on those cars, and the Volvo service bulletins in fact reduced the change interval from 50K to 40K back when the cars were new. Your car is not afflicted by this extra maintenance burden.
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Rob Bareiss, New London CT ::: '87 244DL/M47- 225K, 88 744GLE- 209K, 91 244 183K. Also responsible for the care and feeding of: 88 745GLE, 229K, 88 244GL, 146K, 87 244DL, 235K, 88 245DL, 236K

Not 100% sure but I think the FD engine is the one where the distributor was moved back to the block from the head.