So, I just got done with some pretty normal driving (for me) and noticed my car was running a bit hot at a stop light. It then cooled back down when I started driving again. When I got home and sat with the car idling for a minute I could literally watch the temp gauge going up. Turned it off, popped the hood and pulled the oil dipstick, smoke… same for removing the oil cap (1996 Volvo 850 N/A Sedan) Any ideas as to what may be wrong? (Please don’t say PCV)

 

The PVC will not cause an overheat but a blown head gasket can. Sounds like the coolant is being super heated and there is no flow. How many miles on the engine?

 

I honestly don't know how many miles are on the engine. At least 110k, estimated about 140-165K. The odometer broke at 103K and the gear to fix it just arrived.

 

If standing still causes overheating the obvious thing to check is whether the fan ever starts running.

 

+1

Coolant level ok? Does the oil/coolant look like a chocolate milk shake (granted, not the greatest way to tell on these cars if the HG is blown from my understanding, especially on the NA motor since they tend to have a bit of condensation in the tube)? When was the last time you did an overhaul on the cooling system (hoses, thermostat, water pump, etc replaced and system backflushed with cleaner)?

If the fan doesn't kick on, I'd say start looking into electrical items (relay, wiring, etc) or the temp sending unit.

Next place I'd look would be sticky thermostat, followed by water pump failing. From there, pressure test the cooling system if you can get your hands on a gauge. That'll tell you if it could be something worse, like a blown head gasket. While pressurized, take a look around the bottom of the head where it bolts to the block. You may be able to actually see coolant seeping out (external HG leak). I had an old (93) Escort LX 1.9 that would do this

 

Also, on the fan, it may be electrically okay but the motor may have locked up.

 

These numbers make me happy (numbers on a cold engine and dry) In PSI
——————-1———2———-3——-4——-5
1st Crank——110——110——95——115——-120
8th Crank——195——193—-196——191——-192