Based on the codes and the fact the belts are shredded, I would still put my money on bent valves. Can you upload a video of it cranking? Preferrably looking at the engine with the hood open. I'd like to hear if it sounds like no compression.

 

The shredded belt is the AC compressor one, the timing belt looks OK and everything on the mark.

I will buy a new compressor belt tomorrow. I will also install two new camshaft sensors and one new crankshaft sensor before I try to start it again.

I will record a video.

Thanks!

 

I know the timing belt is in tact. What happens is when the AC belt shreds, parts of it get sucked into the timing. It gets wrapped around the crank pulley, throwing the timing off. You can't see the crank mark remember. If it sounds like it's cranking faster than normal, that's no compression. Your cam and crank sensors are fine.

 

I just replaced this compressor belt:



Even it's in very bad shape, every single piece has been counted for. So it's mostly self destruction.

I installed 3 new sensors and the old transmission one back. I will setup a camcorder before I try to start it.

 

OK, here is the video:


You can see it first started for a short time and never again. There is a turning/rotating sound under the left side of the engine (fuel pump?) whenever the key is still at the II position after ignition failed.

Live data shows fuel pressure is around 46 psi. I didn't hear any valve/knocking sound.

Can this be fuel pump/filter problem? Please diagnose for me. Thanks!

 

I'm still going with timing or bent valves. Sounded terrible when it ran. You'll have to either check all three timing marks or do a compression test.

 

Then it should run the same way all the time, right?

This run didn't generate any codes.

Is it possible to be the fuel system? There is no fuel delivery and engine runs on a little fuel accumulated over time, that's why I have to wait a long time before it can run again?

Can I disconnect somewhere to see if I have fuel?

 

You can check fuel pressure, but you need a gauge. While you're at the parts store renting one, rent a compression gauge.

 

I found these on another Volvo car:

-43.5psi after the first prime(without starting the engine)
-about 36psi@ during idle
-around 30-36 psi during normal driving
-43.5psi when driving at full throttle in high rpm's

So my fuel pressure (from the sensor) is about right. I will do a compression test then.

 

ES6T, you are absolutely right: I just tested compression and found 4 out of 5 cylinders have 0 pressure. Only No. 5 (the one furthest away from the timing belt) has about 160 psi.

Now the question is if Volvo will cover the repair cost since I followed all their maintenance schedule and didn't do anything wrong? I will call them tomorrow.

Also how difficult it is to repair it by myself? And how much it costs to buy the whole head with everything already installed (assuming there is no piston damage)?

 

Unless you have had your car serviced at the dealer since new, I very much doubt Volvo will cover this. Check your splash pan. I bet theres a nice little mark right under the compressor from where it hit, damaging the belt that got sucked up into the timing. In case you can't tell, I've seen this many times.

The last time I priced a head, it was around $2400 if I remember correctly. And then you'll need to adjust the valve clearance, which could involve buying all new tappets. Plus the various other parts you'll need (head bolts, cam seals, head gasket, intake and exhaust gasket, anaerobic sealer, timing belt kit).

Call your insurance. I've seen this covered many times by insurance companies.

 

I don't have full coverage on this car anymore...

How much dealer charge for this, usually?

 

I don't remember the exact labor time off hand, I'll double check at work tomorrow. Pretty sure its in the 14 to 17 hour ballpark though.

 

17.3 hours

 

I called one Volvo dealer and they told me the repair may cost $5000 to $6000! When I asked about warranty, they gave me Volvo support number (800-458-1552). So I will talk to Volvo first.


But unless they cover the whole cost, I will never buy another Volvo. This is ridiculous! If the whole purpose of an interference engine is to increase efficiency and save money, then how can you save anything if your investment is not even protected?

 

I knew that was coming. I can almost guarantee they will not cover the whole cost. Its out of warranty, not likely to have any dealer loyalty associated with the service history and likely caused by physical damage.

They really should make it able to withstand something hitting the splash pan and damaging the drive belt. Totally Volvo's fault.

 

Any updates?

 

Yes, it's in the shop now and insurance authorized them to open it up and found almost all valves are bent...

Since I, as a consumer, didn't do anything wrong, insurance decided to pay the bill (I later found I do have full coverage). And I also convinced the insurance Volvo is completely at fault here because:

1. Volvo failed to disclose it has an interference engine;
2. Volvo failed to protect the timing mechanisms properly, which is critical to this kind of engines;
3. Volvo failed to inform consumers any road hazard can mess up the timing and damage the whole engine! Even a small rock, mud, bird, mouse, piece of tire, ..., anything because they made it too close to the ground unprotected!

I bet now insurance will put much more pressure on Volvo than I can ever do by myself.

 

Of course. It's all Volvo's fault that you hit something.

Car companies have no obligation to explain that an engine is an interference engine. They also shouldn't have to explain that if you hit something, you can cause damage. That falls under common sense.

You bought a convertible with somewhat sporty styling. That means it is low to the ground. If you don't like It, buy something else. It seems all your posts here are trying to blame anyone else for problems that come up.

You feel like you won by "convincing" the insurance company it was not your fault. It doesn't matter. I've seen them cover things when it is fully the driver's fault, like driving through high standing water or driving after smashing the oil pan and letting all the oil leak out. They don't care. They won't pressure anyone. You hit something and damaged the engine. They pay for it. That's what insurance is for.

 

You are the dream consumer for any industry... :-)

The shop showed me some improvements Volvo did in that area over the years (thanks to consumers like me), but apparently still not enough.

Just try to imagine if all consumers are like you: blame yourself for everything! :-)