Hey guys I have a 1996 volvo 850 turbo with the 2.3 inline 5 I bought it as a project car and previous owner put a new headgasket on and got the head bolts in but not torqued and just left it alone after that till I bought it. I put the motor back together timing was a degree or two off nothing major at least I'm pretty sure it's not major, but put a new rotor in the distributor cap and it fired right up and ran for about half an hour. I then shut the vehicle off for about 5-7 mins and went to go start it again and it didn't even sound like it wanted to turn over.. anyone have any ideas as to why this could be happening

 

When you say not wanting to turn over...is it cranking and not firing, or not even cranking. NOt cranking could be bad starter, ignition switch, battery, cables, etc......Not firing could be spark, fuel, or timing. You DID torque the head bolts that the previous owner failed to do before starting it.....right?

 

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It will crank but it won't fire won't even attempt to fire and yes I did tourqe the head bolts down. Right after I put everything back together I fired it right up no problems and during the short time I drove it around I heard no strange noises either

 

spark and fuel tests... Got spark? fuel pressure at the rail? I'd start by checking connectors to things like the cam sensors etc - anything that was disturbed during the repair.

 

That's a good point to start I suppose. Once I get her trailered up and have some cash to work on her I'll keep you guys informed upon my findings