noisy engine

I've recently been given a 1986 340 3Door GL. It runs fine i've already clocked up 200+ miles however the engine sounds like a "tank" when I push my foot on the gas. Plus when it is idling it seems to be ticking quite fast. i'm not mechanical at all so any help at all would be more than welcome.

Also what does the indicator on the very top left hand side of the dash indicate, (Is it a fuel economy light or something??) it's the one with white diagram and a yellow light at the top which goes on as I put my foot down on the gas.

Thanks in advance for your answers.

[foggyjames]

The little light tells you the best time to change gear - it was fitted to some 'mid-life' 300 series cars. 300's are not the quietest of cars - sure that isnt just 'the way it is'? other than that I have no ideas - not really too mechanical myself!

cheers

james

Hi All,

can u describe the problem more??

when u say tank, do you mean the engine roars or its noisy in general,

do you have any particular symtoms

what is the fuel economy like??

when was the last service (if any)

if we had a bit more infor we may be able to help


matt

[pettaw]

Erm, I need a few more details before I can be any real help, but generally any weird or rumbly type noises are caused by an exhaust hole or incorrect mounting, putting the exhaust under strain and causing a rumbling noise.

You're lucky, most 300's don't have the change up indicator, that's what it is.

Hi Matt,
thanks for your reply, i will try and give you more details to the best of my ability.

It's Basically as I put my foot down on the accelerator whichever gear i am in the engine noise is really loud, it does roar. It does sound like there is a hole in the exhaust pipe but I just wondered if it might be an engine problem,as i was told that the exhaust had been changed recently.

i have no idea of it's last service sorry. the fuel economy isn't great i would say 20-25 mpg it does seem to be eating the petrol.

The only symptoms i can pinpoint is that the engine ticks over quite quickly when idle (as if the choke is still out), and when i take my foot of the accelerator the exhaust/engine 'splutters' from time to time.

thanks for your reply and i hope this makes it slightly clearer to you.
Cheers.

Hi all,
thanks for the replies and the answers to my question re the change up indicator (a new on on me).
I've listed some more details on my post above which i hope is of help.

again thanks for your answers in advance
mk.

[pettaw]

What type of engine is it? 1.4 or 1.7? They have different ways of adjusting the idle, and the new exhaust could be causing the problem, putting the exhaust under too much strain can cause a rumbling where you think there's a hole but in fact there isn't one.

Sounds like your car needs a bit of a tune up 'cos fuel mixture settings might be a bit out if its only doing 20-25 mpg. I would expect closer to 35 mpg.

General carb stuff includind float height adjustment needs to be checked and CO content checked and adjusted.

Hope that helps

It's a 1.4 engine.
Thanks for your reply and possible solutions. will be checking the exhaust for any holes at the weekend.
Cheers.

I would suggest you see if the carb top is loose by gripping the air cleaner with both hands and see if any free play in clockwise/anticlockwise directions. If carb top is loose, it means the retaining screws are loosening. Tighten, if threads ok, using screw locking fluid. If any screw threads not ok - Take a screw from door armrest and use as oversize replacement . (replace screw to armrest obtained from breakers/other later). Also of course - you could buy new carb top screws from Volvo first to see if retain tightness then. NB - check armrest screw is suitable first - I think thats the one I used on my 340.