Hello,
I have an 1996 850 GLT that has no compression in #5.
About a year ago I was traveling at highway speed and the check engine light came on.
I got off at the next exit and the car was idling really bad.
I got it home and checked all of the wires and plugs which looked fine.
I brought it into the Volvo shop and was told it had no compression in #5.
My question is could it be a bent valve or something more.
It had several codes like misfire and catalytic damage.
How is taking the head off on this car? and is the catalytic converter really damaged?

Thanks....Tom

 

If you are mechanically inclined and have the necessary tools, equipment and service instructions I believe it is within the capability of home mechanic. Note, however, that some parts of Volvo are unique and the procedures must be followed exactly. For example, the cam cover is not like conventional bolt-on; it is held in place with special adhesive (+ mechanical fasteners?) and the cover also acts as a camshaft holding device. You need to do your homework before taking things apart.

I am not sure as to the damage to the cat. If you have not noticed RPM unable to increase, have not heard rattling noise or have not noticed a rotten egg smell, the cat is probably not damaged.

Wait for others replies as well. Sorry this is not a complete suggestion but I am trying to catch up with the last 4 weeks of posts.


JPN

 

Unless you had the timing belt slip or broke a piston/ring, I cannot think of why you would not have compression. Did the car ever run low on oil or overheat severely?

 

Thank you for the information.
I don't know if the car has ever overheated, or has been ran low on oil.
I purchased the car car about a year before it died.
The timing belt could have slipped, but would that cause only one cylinder to have no compression, unless it slipped and the piston hit a valve.

 

I had this on my '95 850 and it was a burnt #4 ex. valve. Had to pull head and rebuild.