Hi all;
I recently acquired an 1990 740 Turbo with the B230FT engine and 135K miles. It was poorly maintained, had been in at least one (major?) accident, and was driven hard in NYC. The cooling system seems okay, and the ignition system is operational. Just about everything else needs work. I've been a reader here with the 700 series FAQ's for a few months now and I've learned a great deal. I have some questions I hope some of you might have some advice with.
1. Are the differences between a B230FT and B230F engine such that a gasket set for head gasket etc. for a B230F won't work?
2. A repair manual. I've heard that Haynes is better than Chiltons but Haynes seems to stop at '88. What manual would you recommend? I've considered the third party CD manuals but I'm leary. I won't spend more than $40 on the manual.
My first four major projects are: oil, suspension, fuel, and exhaust. Oil: The flame trap is clogged, the turbo throws oil, the engine leaks oil at the head (and maybe the valve cover). Oil, oil, everywhere oil.
Suspension/wheels: the car needs shocks/struts (I don't know what, where, or which) and probably every bushing or wearing part related to the front and rear wheels. Most bearings seem okay but I'm hearing a grinding in the front right on outside turns. Might be CV joint (if this car has one) or could be bearing.
Fuel: I get about 17 mpg city and 22 highway. I've read that there are components which, if dirty, will result in crappy performance and crappy economy. I'll be cleaning/adjusting/replacing those components.
Exhaust: While there's plenty of other work to do besides, there's a hole where the exhaust pipe meets the muffler and I'm going to replace the whole thing. Will I need to do any cutting of the old system do you think? Or can I coerce it apart with hand tools...
I've made mention of my repair schedule in the hopes that you might share any tips or advice that you think I might find helpful before I really get into this. Is the new plastic Flame trap insert good? What are good sprays/solvents for cleaning Throttle body valves and other dirty mech moving components? When I remove the injector assembly, can I just reverse the process for reinstallation and expect the fuel system to operate or is there a procedure to follow to prime or purge?
Thanks for any and all advice / responses
Wayne