1986-1993 Volvo 240 Oil Change

This guide will walk you through the procedure...

iFixit Library 1986-1993 Volvo 240 Easy 30 - 45 minutes Guide 9117

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Guide overview

Before you begin

This guide will walk you through the procedure to change the oil in your Volvo 240 equipped with the B230F red block 2.3 liter engine. It is typically recommended that you change your vehicle's oil every 3,000 miles for extreme running conditions. However, this number can vary depending on your operating conditions, age of your vehicle, number of miles on your engine and your driving habits. Use of synthetic oils can help reduce engine wear and are advisable for older engines or if your typical driving involves extended periods of stop and go traffic.

Step 1

Repair step

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Raise the front of the car with a jack and support it on jack stands.
Never work on or underneath a car that is only supported by a jack. The jack may slip or fail, causing serious injury or death.
Place a drain pan directly underneath the red oil pan.
Use a 1" box end or socket wrench to loosen the drain plug on the bottom of the oil pan.

Step 2

Repair step

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Once the drain plug is completely loose it will fall out and oil will begin to drain out of the oil pan.
While you are waiting for the oil to drain, check the gasket on the drain plug and replace it if necessary.
Since it is such an inexpensive yet crucial part, it's a good idea to change your drain plug gasket at every oil change.
Once the draining oil slows to drip, wipe off the area around the drain plug with a shop towel or rag.

Step 3

Repair step

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Reinstall the drain plug and use a wrench to tighten it until it is snug, but not too tight.
Do not over-tighten the drain plug. You can always check for leaks and tighten the drain plug later. Over-tightening, however, could crack the oil pan.

Step 4

Repair step

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Locate the oil filter on the side of the engine.
It may not be possible to reach the oil filter from the top, as shown. If this is the case, you will need to access it from underneath the car.
Position the drain pan so that it is underneath the oil filter.
Turn the oil filter counterclockwise to loosen it. If the filter is on too tightly, you may have to use an oil filter wrench to loosen it.
Drain the old oil from the filter into the drain pan.

Step 5

Repair step

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Dip your finger into the new oil and spread a thin layer of oil over the gasket on the new oil filter.
Place the oil filter over the threads on the engine and turn it clockwise to tighten it until it is snug.
The layer of oil improves the filter's seal with the engine and makes removing the filter at the next oil change much easier.

Step 6

Repair step

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Remove the oil filler cap from the top of the engine by turning it counterclockwise and lifting it up.
Place a funnel inside the filler hole and pour four quarts of 10W-30 oil into the engine.
For colder climates, you may use 5W-30 oil instead.
Reinstall the oil filler cap.
Start the engine and let it run, checking the drain plug and oil filter for any leaks.