1800: - Richard H

R H Stracey · Jul 3rd, 2012, 11:34

Is there anyone in the Hampshire area who knows how to tune A B20 in a P1800 ES or a mechanic who is conversant with them? I need help urgently.

b20e · Jul 3rd, 2012, 20:18

Well I have three of these beasties and they run well. What is the problem you are having.
I live in Berkshire BTW

b20e · Jul 8th, 2012, 18:21

Good to see you. Hope the car is continuing to work OK.
Glad I could help.
Best wishes
Simon

VolvoFan · Jul 8th, 2012, 21:07

What was the problem and how did you fix it? It could be useful for others with B20E engines.

b20e · Jul 9th, 2012, 16:46

1. The throttle flap was sticking and was not closing fully, so I oiled the assembly and adjusted the cable as it was not allowing the valve to close fully, this lost some but not all of the 2000 rpm idle.
2. The cold start temp sensor coil in the block had a wire loose or off so I tightened the spade terimals
3. The throttle stop screw is different to the 4 cars I have owned and I suspect may have been replaced and used to adjust idle in the past, after ruling out other factors I used it to get the idle revs down.
4. The dwell angle was not set right to my understanding and I set this within tolerances in the Haynes manual
5. The static timing seemed to be set to 5% BTDC and I have set it to 15% to avoid the serious pinking issues you had. But I noticed it was still pinking a little under load.
This could be advanced a little further if you run the car on higher octanes than standard unleaded which would improve fuel economy and heat output.

The combination of these issues did seem to resolve the problem.

I have also removed the vacuum retard hose and plugged the end of the pipe.
This is removable and can be re-instated easily.

If you are happy with the performance and the high idle problem has not returned then we are all good.

Thanks
Simon

R H Stracey · Jul 13th, 2012, 19:22

Just to let everyone know.....Simon Good is a star! He really knows how to sort out P1800s! Thanks for all your great work Simon. The "old girl" is running well now.

R H Stracey · Jul 18th, 2012, 12:52

Simon, can you get in touch? I have the detail of the guy I mentioned.

Jul 3rd, 2012, 11:34	#1
R H Stracey New Member Last Online: Jul 29th, 2012 22:52 Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Alton	Richard H Is there anyone in the Hampshire area who knows how to tune A B20 in a P1800 ES or a mechanic who is conversant with them? I need help urgently.

Jul 13th, 2012, 19:22	#6
R H Stracey New Member Last Online: Jul 29th, 2012 22:52 Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Alton	Magic wand Just to let everyone know.....Simon Good is a star! He really knows how to sort out P1800s! Thanks for all your great work Simon. The "old girl" is running well now.

Jul 3rd, 2012, 20:18	#2
b20e Simon Good Last Online: Aug 21st, 2019 07:05 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Reading View Photos By: b20e	Well I have three of these beasties and they run well. What is the problem you are having. I live in Berkshire BTW

Jul 8th, 2012, 18:21	#3
b20e Simon Good Last Online: Aug 21st, 2019 07:05 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Reading View Photos By: b20e	Good to see you. Hope the car is continuing to work OK. Glad I could help. Best wishes Simon

Jul 8th, 2012, 21:07	#4
VolvoFan Master Member Last Online: May 14th, 2024 20:27 Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Alton	What was the problem and how did you fix it? It could be useful for others with B20E engines.

Jul 9th, 2012, 16:46	#5
b20e Simon Good Last Online: Aug 21st, 2019 07:05 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Reading View Photos By: b20e	1. The throttle flap was sticking and was not closing fully, so I oiled the assembly and adjusted the cable as it was not allowing the valve to close fully, this lost some but not all of the 2000 rpm idle. 2. The cold start temp sensor coil in the block had a wire loose or off so I tightened the spade terimals 3. The throttle stop screw is different to the 4 cars I have owned and I suspect may have been replaced and used to adjust idle in the past, after ruling out other factors I used it to get the idle revs down. 4. The dwell angle was not set right to my understanding and I set this within tolerances in the Haynes manual 5. The static timing seemed to be set to 5% BTDC and I have set it to 15% to avoid the serious pinking issues you had. But I noticed it was still pinking a little under load. This could be advanced a little further if you run the car on higher octanes than standard unleaded which would improve fuel economy and heat output. The combination of these issues did seem to resolve the problem. I have also removed the vacuum retard hose and plugged the end of the pipe. This is removable and can be re-instated easily. If you are happy with the performance and the high idle problem has not returned then we are all good. Thanks Simon

Jul 18th, 2012, 12:52	#7
R H Stracey New Member Last Online: Jul 29th, 2012 22:52 Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Alton	Simon, can you get in touch? I have the detail of the guy I mentioned.

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