I got this car for $400 bucks from a guy who didn't want to pay to change out water pump, timing belt, tensioner, plugs etc. It ran. I drove it 15 miles and while timing was clearly off it had no stalling issues. Did all the changes necessary, water pump, plugs, ignition coil, wites and distributor cap. checked timing using timing marks, checked that I had the timing correct using camshaft adjuster, timing marks. Assembled everything. No start, in fact if I hadn't removed the timing belt cover I would have thought I'd left the crankshaft belt off.. Remember it ran. I drove it. See video. I've screwed around with this for 3 weeks but I'm frustrated. No weird sounds. No damaged pulleys, missing bolts, loose belts. I've never seen this before. It's as if the engine itself is not being engaged by the crank belt. Does anyone have ANY idea what's going on?

 

Don't see the video, but first thing I would do with a no-start is this. Turn the engine over by hand using the crank pulley bolt and make sure it is free. Turn it through at least 3 complete revolutions of the motor to be sure it is not binding up and that the timing belt is tight and turning the camshafts. If that checks out ok, then get some starting fluid spray from the auto parts store, Wal-mart, etc... Spray a 2 second burst into the air hose coming from the air filter box, then try to start it. It should sputter and try to start or even run for a couple seconds. If nothing happens, wait a minute and spray it again and try it again. If it tries to start or run then you have a fuel delivery issue. If it does not try to start or run, it is a spark or timing issue.

Another thing is to go over it with a fine tooth comb and make SURE you have all sensors (especially camshaft and crankshaft position sensors) plugged back in correctly. Are you absolutely sure that the belt tensioner is engaging and applying proper pressure on the belt? Check out this link for additional help. Volvo 850 Timing Belt and Water Pump Replacement | Happy Wrenching

Keep us posted and we will try and get you on the road again