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variomatic replacement
Posted: 18 Dec 2005 01:09 pm
by Duvel78
Hello guys
The variomatic on my '84 340 has died and I need to change it. I've found a donor car, any tips concerning a variomatic swap?
Posted: 18 Dec 2005 01:21 pm
by classicswede
It's been a long time since I last did one I dont remeber any problems other that a couple of rusted bolts.
Posted: 18 Dec 2005 07:56 pm
by antiekeradio
you can change it as a unit.
remove driveshafts (2 to wheel, 1 to engine)
loosen gear selector lever
support it at at least 2 places
etc. (you do not have to take of the drive belts)
Posted: 18 Dec 2005 10:20 pm
by daffodil
how do yyou do it without removing drive belts?

Posted: 18 Dec 2005 10:25 pm
by antiekeradio
remove the subframe to wich the primair and secundair are attached.
4 bolts.... it's the "H" frame
Posted: 18 Dec 2005 11:34 pm
by antiekeradio
capiche?
Posted: 19 Dec 2005 07:21 pm
by shimon340
Hi there!
How come you need to change the whole unit? What failed? normally the diaphrams can give out and need replacing but what happened with yours?
Im in the process of trying to learn the CVT as Ive got a CVt 340 also
cheers
Shimon
Posted: 19 Dec 2005 09:14 pm
by antiekeradio
the big nut you see on the left side of the picture (center nut of secundary pulley) can run loose and destroy its thread.
the differential can fail
the pulleys can corrode badly so that they eat up the belts.
all three are possible reasons to do a complete exchange.
Posted: 20 Dec 2005 12:29 am
by shimon340
hi there..... quick question....
picture
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d156/ ... 0/cvt2.jpg
is the secondary the bit labelled as so in the picture?
is the labelled nut on the secondary the one that can run loose? Should I check this on my CVT car? whats the problem here... the nut runs loose and damages the thread? is it not repairable?
are differential failures uncommon? due to low fluid in diff??
pulley surfaces... they rust and hence damages belts?
can they be sanded smooth again? painted??
cheers..
thanks for your info!
look forward to reply!!
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Posted: 20 Dec 2005 12:45 am
by antiekeradio
all indication arrows correct.
no painting on the surfaces. if there is some rust at the places where the belt has sat over long periods of time, thats no worry.
remove any 'blisters' of chromium because these tend to break, and the edges are so sharp they cut up the belt. sand the edges of the rusty areas, so that all is smooth again. you can't do much more, honestly...
the nut often comes loose just a bit, so that the pulley can move a tiny bit under it. (it moves coaxially) due to that movement, the teething that supplies the transfer of power gets damaged. if this becomes severe the nut runs off and the pulley gets launched to the bottom of the car....
Greetings Wouter
Posted: 20 Dec 2005 12:47 am
by antiekeradio
diff problems mostly occur to people with sportive driving style.
oil level is something to check, should be part of the "2 yearly change/check all fluids procedure"
Posted: 20 Dec 2005 04:42 pm
by shimon340
I'll check the nut on mine next time Im under the car... wait a while as its cold here at the moment!
When the pulley moves, if this nut is loose.... its moves from side to sides ie looking down at the gearbox through the floor but facing the boot ...the pulley would be moving left to right.....
So for the pulleys its just a case of sanding them smooth.....?
What are the pulleys made from? steel?
thanks for your advice!! very cool!!
enjoy your 340!
Shimon
Im going to try to find the tightening torque for that secondary bolt.... dya know what its "techincal" name would be in a manual??
cheers
Posted: 20 Dec 2005 04:48 pm
by shimon340
thanks for all your advice!! really useful!!
Dya know of any good CVT service manuals? Ive already got Haynes and Autodata... is the Volvo one the good in your experience?
Im trying to learn to service them from books really as they are quite uncommon and garages dont know what to do... are they easy to work on?
Posted: 20 Dec 2005 05:15 pm
by ebdl
If you haven't looked already, there are some articles on servicing/maintaining variomatics on the volvo owner's lub site - particularly to do with adjusting the clutch and belt tension. Thought this might help.
Ed
Posted: 20 Dec 2005 05:46 pm
by shimon340
cheers!!

Ed.. is yours a CVT? dya service it yourself? didnt you have some probs with the clutch engagement recently? what was the post called?
cheers