I recently (last week) bought a stunning S40 T4 (1998) is has a full volvo service history with the last service performed just 3000 miles ago. It is one owner at is on 109000 miles.

When testing the car it held back a little when I put my foot down but decided that was probablydue to plugs and HT leads. I bought the car and took it for a nice long drive a couple days after purchase. During the ride the problem got increasing worse specifically under the load of rapid acceleration.

It then got to the point where its idle was abismal and sounded like it was not firing correctly.

I have just replaced the plugs (which were awful) and coil packs (with 2used ones which I have been assured work) It is still running badly. The plugs get wet foul with oil almost instantly. I have adjusted the gap of the plug (0.2 mm as per the book) but no luck. The HT leads look fine but have not replaced them yet as the local car shop ordered me the wrong set....

Any suggestion before I run back to Volvo and admit defeat. (I may need a small bank loan if they get their hands on it)

 

I should add that I get lots of wet foul on plugs 1, 3 and 4... 2 is pretty clear.

 

Any idea where the oil is coming from?
Replace the leads.

 

There was alot of oil around the original 3rd plug when I removed it, plus the electrode were vitually detroyed... There is a oil around to top of the head which I felt was unusual on the right hand side.. Not sure where that was coming from.

 

Will the plugs foul if they're not firing properly?????

 

Most of the time yes but mainly if you run it for a long time like that.
Try replacing the oil cap seal and see if the oil stops leaking.

 

Thanks, I will visit Volvo for leads on Monday and keep you informed, typical! First my bike then my car.... Oh well. Glad I don't own a plane...

 

No Luck - So Far new plugs, coil packs and HT leads.....

It still runs on 50% power and rattles like an old woman.....

Any ideas? Does anyone know the symptons of head gasket failure?

 

I checked the coil packs and there seems to be a good spark from each but the timing seems intermitant...

I keep reading about having the 'codes pulled' and I guess this means taking the car to Volvo to get their computer to run a fault diagnosis. (would that be available on a 1998 S40?)

I have replaced both coil packs with other 'used' coil packs but they all seem to be ok...

This is really becoming a nightmare....

 

[:'(]

 

How many miles were on the old coil packs?
They are a very common problem on these cars.

 

I don't know how many miles? I need tophone volvo to find that out which I will do today... I have already bought 2 coil packs from ebay but I know they were 'used'. I guess there is a chance they were damaged too. It there something before the coil packs which would effect the regularity of the spark etc?

 

Nothing that is common.
Nothing that I have seen before.

 

You will all be pleased to know that I am rolling again. However it has come at a price. 2 blown valves and a cracked head. Total was £1300 (about $2500).