hey everyone,
got an important question for yall. well today i went to start my 1997 volvo 850 (non turbo) with 160k on it. for some reason it would not start. it was making a grinding noise and wouldnt start. i tried putting the gas pedal to the floor and tried starting it again. it did the same thing but i took my foot off the pedal and then the engine started smoking. so i waited a few minutes and tried again. this time i waited for about a minute or so and it finally started. BUT when i would rev the engine it made puttering noises and then i put it in reverse and started to press on the gas. it was making all weird noises and it wouldnt really accelerate. well i waited for about an hour and went out to start it once more. it started up no problem. i noticed it does this if i dont use it for a day or so. thats when it seems it has the most trouble. does my volvo hate me for not using her for one day? lol. anyways i need yall help. anything would help.
have a happy holiday thanks again!

 

Maybe be a bad fuel pump or pressure regulator.
Causing gas to bleed back into the tank.

Or Lifters collasing after it sits for a while.

Have seen both and they both will cause the problem you have.

 

Hello hockeymatt2727,

Greetings from snow-free Chicagoland.

First of all, which gearbox does your 850 have, auto/manual? It probably doesn't matter which, but every bit of info helps. Also, did you notice what part of the engine the smoke was coming from? Was it white smoke, dark gray or bluish?

It seems like a result of poor/neglected maintenance by the previous owner.

Before getting into troubleshooting, check the following items:

1. Correct engine oil level, type (SAE5W-30, 10W-30, normal or synthetic, etc...) quality (when was the last time it was changed?).
2. Correct coolant level.
3. Type of fuel you've been using.
4. Last timing belt change date/mileage.
5. Any dash warning indications.
6. Any fluid leak in the engine compartment/under the car.
7. Loose components in the engine compartment.

Did the car run fine when you started it the 2nd time?

It is almost impossible to tell you exactly what the problem is, without actually taking a look/doing some tests. But it seems to have at least lubricating (oil) system problem. The mileage on your car shouldn't be a concern, as modern cars are noted to go over 200,000 miles or more, if good care is taken (though your car seems to have been abused by the previous owner, unless you bought it new).

It could also be the starter that is about to die, for starting problem. Or could also be a faulty fuel control system that's dumping fuel into the combustion chamber and diluting the engine oil. As you see, it could be anything.

Wait until you receive a few more advice from other experts on the forum, and if our advice didn't solve your problem, then have a visit to the nearest (I usually go to the nicest) Volvo dealer/shops that specialize in Swedish/European cars. For complex problems, you might want to avoid generic town garages, as they may not have the proper diagnostic equipment/expertise on imported vehicles. Paying the dealer 15~30% more money seems outrageous, but in the long run it actually saves money.

Happy Holidays and waiting for your reply,


JPN

 

hello again JPM it was nice to hear a response from you. i certainly appreciate it. anyways my car is an automatic. im almost 100% sure the previous owner did not abuse the car because he was my next noor neighbor and was an older gentleman who used it to get to work (mostly highway miles). the car only smoked once it seemed to be a clear smoke, not very thick. im planning on towing it to a shop nearby that deals strictly with volvos. hopefully it can be fixed. thanks for the advice,





matt

 

Hello Matt,

The smoke might have been coolant. In general, if oil is burning the smoke is bluish (for conventional oil). If dark gray, it's fuel and ifwhite, it's coolant/electrical wire insulation. If other colours, RUN!! (just kidding).

The car is probably in a good condition, judging from your description about the previous owner. 850's have certain areas that need attention, so post other questions should problems arise.

Best wishes and Happy New Year.


JPN