So my 21 yr old daughter bought an 08 S40 no turbo. Driving it home after about 20 miles it died on the freeway, smoke from engine. When I got there I found a leak in the reservoir,so very low coolant and about 2 1/2 quarts low oil. It cranked and runs but pretty bad knock. Not a tick it's definitely a knock. Going to attempt a compression test tom. But to be honest not sure if I should even bother. Am I fooling myself thinking there is a possibility it's just damaged or Burt valves and not needing a complete rebuild?

 

Unfortunately that is one of the Volvos that does not have a coolant coolant warning system - Not a problem for X years or so until the rubber or plastic cooling system parts start failing - (leaking hose, cracked reservoir, water pump, etc.)


Loud knock is usually not a good sign.

 

Well If I am not mistaked quart is basicaly one liter the full capacity of oil is around 5 l so it was half full ! , so it died due to poor maintanance , oil leaked out and now the engine is gone bearings are gone perhaps rings etc , not worth fixing in my opinion , quite sad , needs new engine or rebuild , cant help with price as I am in RSA but perhaps a scrap yard with a used motor ? If the coolant drops but still some in the expasion tank would of not coused this but that needs fixing , we have replaces our coolant tank one in 16 years , when drive a 10 year+ car you need to check it daily and many things fail with time , that is normal so perhaps not the best car for a young lady
Many people thing a volvo is a safe car and yes the new ones are great but a 10 year+ car its way past its best there is no way to check the safety systems Volvo had a time period on their air bags , was 15 years and then they withdrew it stating if maintained by Volvo its for life how many 10 + year old Volvos get services by the dealer

 

Thank guys. I new I was dreaming the moment I heard it crank. I think I am gonna try to but her S40 somewhere and save up the 2000+ to replace the engine as the punk who sold it to her won't return any of her money. I personally checked fluids before she drove so he sold it to her knowing it was leaking badly. Anyway thank you all for the confirmation.