I have a '95 850 (five speedmanual)that has been sitting in a garage for about a month. I went to start it and after grumbling for about 10 seconds, the engine started to grind. Each time I tried to start after that, the same grinding sound occurred. It almost sounded like an intensescraping sound... Can anybody clue me into what may be going on? The fuel pump is about a year old, so I don't think that's the issue...Is it just the battery?
Thanks!

 

starter or battery

 

Does it turn over fast, just barely turn over or not turnover at all?

 

Hi,

Before you left the car, how old was the engine oil? And do you live near the ocean? Although not common to Volvos or any modern cars, if you let your car sit too long, the internal mechanism may get corrosion due to no oil recirculation and may cause initial scraping/grinding noise. But one person left his Volvo unused for more than a few months and the engine started like new, so there may not be a corrosion problem inside your engine.

If you don't remember when you changed the oil last time, I would change oil & filter before attempting to start it again and let the engine idle for a few minutes to see if the noise goes away.

The battery may come back to life if you drive your car regularly. If not, a battery can self-discharge and it may shorten the life.

Lastly, visually inspect the accessory components/belt, as well as inside the timing belt cover; remove one 12mm bolt and wiggle the cover upward and inspect the timing belt & all other components.

I hope this helps.


JPN

P.S: Be sure to change the timing belt at every 70,000 miles/5 years.