Day 1

Volvo doesn't make a bad engine. The 2.9 na and turbo are great motors. On you car the weak link is the transmission. Compression is really low - surprised the car actually runs at all. I would try a leak down test. Also check your timing belt - maybe it broke and caused some damage - but that seems...

Engine runs normal but weak, puffs of smoke and low compression are the symptoms of worn or stuck piston rings. One could confirm this by placing a table spoon of oil in the cylinder (Wet Compression test). If the oil cause the compression to rise the rings are not sealing. You could pull all the pl...

I've ordered a compression tester, so I'll check that next to see if it's the same. Hope you ordered one with a metal extension and not just a rubber hose. If you use the a rubber hose extension in the deep Volvo spark plug well, the metal end of rubber hose may start slipping when you go to take i...