Driving home on the freeway and it just goes dead. Still have power ...lights , radio etc,,,but no power...coasted off ramp...car was not over heating or any loose belts. car will not start back ..makes a whining sound. any suggestions ? please and thank you .

 

Take off the timing cover and check your timing belt. You need a star drive type socket to remove a couple bolts then pop two clips on the side.

Does the engine spin faster than normal when you are trying to start it?

 

yes it is the timing belt ...it is shredded. Should I also replace the water pump at the same time? everyone says I should but if it isn't broken why fix the water pump. Thank you for your reply....now I just need to find someone to fix it

 

If the belt broke on the highway, you're going to need more than a new belt. The valves are either bent or broken. Hopefully the pistons are okay.

 

As written above, the engine is most likely damaged. Mine slipped and bent all 8 exhaust valves. It can be repaired with about $500 in parts. Labor is the biggest cost unless you do the work yourself.

 

Thank you for your reply. I find out today if it's the pistons. I have a mechanic working on it.......keeping my fingers crossed. Motor has very low compression. He will run a scope on it today.

 

looking for a cylinder head for an s40 volvo......also may consider selling my volvo s40 if I can't find one.
Pistons were ok just damage the valves

 

For about $500 in parts the valves can be replaced and the head/engine saved. The question is labor cost. If someone else is doing the repairs it would most likely be cheaper to find a junkyard engine.

If you must replace the head try this site:
VOLVO S40 ENGINE PARTS INTERNAL 2000-2012 at Swedish Auto Parts

 

Thank you ...I am going to that site now....luckily it was open when the belt slipped so the pistons are still good.

 

Mine were still good. Just had to do a little cleaning up with a very small grinder. Seems like 2 very small relief cuts would have made this engine into a non-interference type. The valves left the 2 oval shiny marks on the left top and left bottom.