Volvo 460 Engine problems

Hi
I've got a 1992 Volvo 460 GLE injection (B20F) with a couple of engine
problems. Firstly oil consumption is really high, from a full sump (max)
after about 200 miles it's barely above the min mark. No leaks are apparent
(I guess I would notice this loss of oil) and there's no blue smoke from the
exhaust at cold.
Secondly, its sometimes difficult to start; the engine turns over but it
takes a while to fire, but as soon as it has fired it's fine. At other times
it starts as soon as the key is flicked and this problem seems to be
unrelated to the temp of the engine. Finally the engine pinks a little under
load and I thought the knock sensor would advance the ignition timing to
prevent this?
The car's done ~100K
Any ideas gratefully received.
Richard C

 

Right, your pinking is most likely due to the oil in the combustion chamber
being burnt.- there were all sorts of problems with this engine when Volvo
launched it in 92 with high oil consumption- they never really sorted it
entirely and it cost them afair bit with engine rebuilds / replacements
during warranty.

Its basically a piston / oil ring / bore sealing problem and the fix is
strip the motor, hone the block and fit the modded pistons and new style
rings- not a cheap job.

You wont see any blue oil smoke as the cat is doing a good job at burning
it.

You're best bet would be either change the car, or swap to a 1.8 MPI engine
(+ECU).

Tim..