I was driving about 40mph and the engine dropped to idle for 5 seconds, the oil pressure light came on, and it shut off. It hasn't restart since. I took the valve cover off and cranked it and the cams don't move. I haven't taken off the belt cover, but either the belt broke or a pulley broke, possibly the oil pump since the oil light came on first.

According to this volvoclub link, the B234F engine will suffer damage if the belt comes off. If anyone else on the board has a second opinion or past experience I would appreciate it. I'm hoping that if this was an oil pump failure that the engine could still be functional with a simple replacement part or replacement belt, although the above mentioned link spelled out D-O-O-M quite clearly.

Is there any test besides pulling off the head for me to determine if there was any piston/valve collision?

Each spark plug was drenched in oil. This may be a hint.

Much thanks in advance for helping a newbee.

-mischa

Note: 1990 740 GLE B234F wagon.

 

That is the 16 Valve motor isn't it?
If so then the valves will be bent.

 

The B234F is definitely an interference engine. Timing belt change every 50,000 miles.

 

Thanks for the responses.

I haven't had time to take it apart and inspect the insides, but is there any hope that a simple head swap could get this running again? Does the bottom of the engine usually suffer damage in these situations?

 

If you were going slow or idling then the lower half should be fine.

 

About how much should a head rebuild cost?