Needing some aq140a help

[Julian Murphy]

Hi All
After reading through the threads and finding some conflicting info, I decided to register and hopefully get some advice. I have a 140a that needs a rebuild and a new head. The head is the biggest issue, as I can't seem to get a definitive answer on which automive head works; B21 or B23 or neither. I know I need to use my aq cam at any rate.
Bearings for the intermediate shaft (drives fuel and oil pumps) also seem to be hard to come by.
Are parts so rare that I am money ahead to marinerize a doner moter from a late 70's early 80's car?
Thanks for any help.

 

[Julian Murphy]

Re: Needing some aq140a help

Hmm...No takers? Well, an update all the same.
I just got my block back from the machine shop and its in good shape(so they tell me). They pressed in new freeze plugs and new bearings for the intermediate shaft. Those bearings were hard to find, let me tell ya! Napa had the automotive equivelent.
After rounding up some of the other seals/gaskets I just need the crank and piston bearings and the fun can really begin.
The only thing Im still hung up on is the head. I called a reputable used volvo parts supplier in the area and they insisted that no automotive head would work on my block. I cant emagine they are correct, but the guy wouldnt even talk to me after he learned it was for a boat. Soo... I still need a head, some how.
I cant be the first guy to run into this problem.
Any ideas would help....Thanks.

 

[snobdr]

Re: Needing some aq140a help

The aq140 is a carbed b23e. The head will work

 

[Julian Murphy]

Re: Needing some aq140a help

Ok. Not wanting to sit idle, Ive been doing research as to whitch head will work on the aq140a block. Engine specs say b23 has 96mm bored pistons. Both the b21 and aq140a have 92mm bored pistons. I guess I answered my own question. Now where to find one...

 

[500dollar744ti]

Re: Needing some aq140a help

B23F was used in 1983-1984 Volvo 240 (not turbo models), they are out there.

The best way to match up your head is to find another with the same casting number, then you know you got the same head. I'm a Volvo tech and I know just about everything there is to know about their engines, just not the marine specific stuff. If I remember correctly, your head should be stamped 1000160 or 1000398, they are interchangeable. There's also a possibility you run across a 1000405 head, you don't want that, it's low compression.

The 160 and 398 heads are the ones you want for power.

Most 1984 and earlier 240 volvos should have the head you want. Have you looked on Ebay, there are generally a lot on there? Search for Volvo penta cylinder heads first. You can compare your casting number with the one listed and get a matching head.