Volvo Redblock Engine | |
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Overview | |
Manufacturer | Volvo Cars |
Production | 1974–1998 |
Combustion chamber | |
Configuration | I4 |
Displacement | 1784cc - 2316cc |
Cylinder block alloy | Cast iron |
Cylinder head alloy | Aluminium |
Valvetrain | OHC, DOHC |
Combustion | |
Turbocharger | Select models |
Fuel system | Carburetor or Fuel Injection |
Fuel type | Gasoline |
Oil system | Wet sump |
Cooling system | Water cooling |
Output | |
Power output | 90 - 200hp |
Chronology | |
Predecessor | Volvo B20 |
Successor | Volvo Modular Engine |
The Volvo B21 was a slant straight-4 engine first used in the Volvo 200 series, meant to replace the B20. The B21 and all derived engines are often referred to as red block engines for the red paint applied to the block. The primary differences when compared to the B20 was the switch to a SOHC in place of the older pushrod configuration, and an aluminum crossflow cylinder head versus the iron head of the B20.
Initially the overhead camshaft versions were offered as optional equipment on the 240, becoming standard in all markets by the 1976 model year. The overhead camshaft motors were available in displacements of 2.0 (B19 and B200), 2.1 (B21), and eventually 2.3 (B23 and B230) litres. The B21 featured an 80 mm (3.1 in) stroke, and 92 mm (3.6 in) bore. In the US, the B21's power output ranged anywhere between 98 hp (73 kW) and 107 hp (73 to 80 kW), based on variations in the compression ratio and was typically supplied with a B or M camshaft.
The engines are tilted approx 15 degrees to left (exhaust side) to make room for the more complicated injection systems. B19 and B21 blocks can be identified by water plugs on one side of the block. The B23 blocks have them on both sides. The camshaft is driven by a toothed belt that is driven off the front of the crankshaft. The belt turns the intermediate shaft as well, which in turn drives the oil pump, distributor (on 240 engines and BXX 700/900 series engines) and the fuel pump of carburetor models.
In 1981 the B21FT, a B21F with a turbo, was introduced with a compression ratio of 7.5:1 mated with a Garrett T3 turbocharger and a T camshaft. Additional turbo variants, not offered in the US market, were the B19ET and the B21ET, based on the B19E and B21E respectively. The turbocharger increased power output to 127 hp (91 kW) for the B21FT, and 157 hp (115 kW) for the B21ET. Also new for the 1981 model year was the B23, with a displacement of 2.3 litres (80 mm stroke and 96 mm (3.8 in) bore). Aside from the increased bore size, the engine is identical to the B21. Volvo used a slightly different mold for the turbo engines to cast a boss for the turbo oil return line. Because a turbocharged engine has a higher operating temperature they used sodium filled exhaust valves and a thermostat controlled oil cooler (air/oil model).