The 1985 740 is a high compression b230E engine which has used leaded petrol in Australia and I would assume NZ. This petrol had a 96 octane rating. The engine needs this octane rating as a minimum.

Have Kiwis had their super leaded petrol replaced this year with lead replacement petrol (LRP)? Australia made the changeover in January.

If so, it is worth knowing that Volvo Australia recommend against the use of this replacement petrol. They also recommend against the use of regular unleaded (90 oct) and premium .(95 oct)

Volvo in Australia recommend the use of 98 octane unleaded (Shell Optimax) for pre 1986 leaded engines, which is undoubtedly what yours is. The catch here is that the cost for this fuel is up to 9 cents a litre dearer than regular unleaded and it is not available everywhere.

Having recently bought my son a 1985 240 which has the same engine as the one you are considering, I am currently considering the options which is what you will need to do if you buy that car. (assuming you no longer have leaded super petrol).

The options appear to be- disregard Volvo advice and use premium unleaded, or use the LRP. Further research is needed as my son's car is low mileage like yours and I would like to think he can have long use of the car.

By the way...

Unleaded engines were introduced in the States well before Australia and NZ and therefore their 85 740s have a different engine than ours. Also I believe the octane rating for regular unleaded is 95 in the States. Ours is only 90. Advice given may not be aware of these factors.

Just some food for thought.

Was hoping you folks would beat the South Africans in the cricket after being too good for the Aussies. Maybe next time.

Take care,
John H from DOWNUNDER