I need an authoritative information source that I can reference to demonstrate when the Hall effect sensor was discontinued for the B230F. From the 700/900 FAQ, I believe that 1988 was the last year of the Hall sensor. But, since the FAQs are a compilation of information from Volvo enthusiasts, it does not carry the same authority as a published source. I need to have the information in an online format since I can’t practically reference a hard-copy book.

Similarly, demonstrating the years spanned by the ZF gearbox would be useful. And, a source to point to that demonstrates that the 780 never had a non-turbo B230F would be useful.

If you are curious as to why I need the information, read on.

If any of you have seen my other recent post, you know that I tried to get a used auto trans for my 95 945. I bought a used engine and transmission that was reported to be from a 1990 740 non-turbo. But it turned out to be an earlier model B230F with a ZF 4HP22 transmission. (It is in the classified section now)

I have e-mailed with the guy I bought it from, and he is pondering if he should take it back and return my money. His problem is that he still believes that it is a 1990, as he initially said, and the fact that it is a ZF box is not his fault. I am confident that it is earlier because it has a Hall effect distributor (in-head distributor), it has no provision for a crank position sensor, and it is a ZF box. Now I need to convince him.

In spite of him advertising it for a 740 (which it likely is) a hand written tag on it says, “1990 780”. So, I think I know the rest of the story now. He probably did remove it from a 1990 780, but the car likely left the factory with the V-6 PRV engine.

Thanks,
Charley