To achieve lower piston running temperatures, the method of cooling the pistons via oil spray from underneath was developed. Once found only on exotic or race only engines, piston cooling systems are becoming common. The rewards are worth the expense.

Volvo incorporated a piston cooling system on the L blocks around 1993.

I put this gallery together to show the layout of the system to those curious about it; and to share some of my observations of the system in the motor I built.

I like it. I had done considerable reading on the concept of piston cooling; and had determined that the benefits to be had were well worth the added cost...of either buying an engine that was so equipped; or of making the modification to an engine not so equipped.

Because of that determination, when the need for an engine rebuild for the Project 15A wagon became apparent, there were two options: rebuild the non piston cooled B230FT that was in the wagon; or acquire an L block B230FT. Because of the long term goals for the engine and the wagon, the acquisition of an L block for the foundation of the engine build became the priority.

Now that the L block is built, installed, and running, I am very satisfied with the decision to so proceed.

UPDATE: 7-16-09

I've been asked a number of times if the later NA B230F blocks had the squirters or not. Since about 1990 [late '90 production; early '91 production], the B230 blocks were cast with the 'humps'. I haven't come across a '91 model year or '92 model year B230 (F or FT) that had the humps drilled with either blocking bolts or squirters installed.

According to the parts microfiche, starting in model year 1993, the B230 blocks were machined and drilled for the squirters: with the NA blocks (B230F) having blocking bolts installed; and the turbo blocks (B230FT) receiving the squirters.

....that information seemed to cover the reality that I had encountered; and the reports and comments that I had heard from other Volvo enthusiasts.

Now, that appears to no longer account for the actual reality of things.

I've heard recently that a number of B230F blocks (the NA motors).....'built in 1992'or later, with the humps, and with the round tooth timing belt....were not only machined and drilled for the squirters, but actually have the squirters installed. This has been confirmed by a couple of sources. One motor being a B230F in a '93 944; and the other being a '93 245 with the B230F.

These personally known sources, along with some reports from others, makes a very strong case for the following:

....if the B230F block has a casting date of at least 1992 or later, has the humps, is labeled as a L block on the ID label on the timing cover, and has the round tooth timing belt, then it may very well be squirter equipped.

I cannot say that it is a "sure thing" that a '93 model year and later B230F NA motor has the squirters; just that it is no longer a "sure thing" that they do not have the squirters. The only way to know "for sure" is still to pull the oil pan and have a look see.