Car won't start after headgasket replace

blackvolvo95 · Post by **blackvolvo95** » 24 Aug 2010, 13:53

I have a 1990 760 Turbo in US that won't start after replacing headgasket. Timing belt has crankshaft and camshaft aligned at TDC. Pulled spark plug wires and each sparks. Turns over well. Seems like fuel? Someone suggested spraying brake cleaner around air filter while starting. Would this prove if it is fuel? Any other suggestions? I don't think there is another timing adjustment. Would gas go bad in three months?

Post by **JDS60R** » 24 Aug 2010, 15:29

Do a compression or leakdown test to check for valve issues. Then you can supplement fuel if you wish. make sure fuel fuse or relay isn't bad as well. let us know compression numbers or what you found

blackvolvo95 · Post by **blackvolvo95** » 08 Sep 2010, 23:39

I think the problem is with fuel. Can you tell me how to check the fuel fuse and the relay?

Retired MVS Contributor · Post by **Retired MVS Contributor** » 09 Sep 2010, 07:22

blackvolvo95 wrote:I think the problem is with fuel. Can you tell me how to check the fuel fuse and the relay?

A compression test is in order, but you need a gauge...When a well used engine sits idle for a long period of time, and 3 months is a long time, the oil on the piston rings drains down into the crankcase and there is very little compression...I would try removing the spark plugs and injecting about an ounce of oil into each cylinder, put the plugs back in, and try again...The oil will restore compression and get you started.....IF!!!...that is your problem...

blackvolvo95 · Post by **blackvolvo95** » 10 Sep 2010, 13:53

I will try the oil in the cylinders. However, the car turns over well (with a jumper) and I tested the spark on each plug wire and it is good. I tried spraying starter fluid into the air intake (not sure if it gets to the cylinders) and the engine just doesn't seem to fire. The starter just keeps turning (I know not to do it for too long) and the engine doesn't catch. I would expect at least some kind of backfire but I get nothing.

rjaywhit · Post by **rjaywhit** » 10 Sep 2010, 14:49

Plug wires in the right order on the dist cap?

Volvofix1 · Post by **Volvofix1** » 10 Sep 2010, 15:26

Pull out the ash tray and access cover to fuse panel, look for a white relay and see if it "clicks"when you crank the engine this is the fuel pump relay. Next check to see if the fuel injectors are working with a test light and two paper clips inserted into the terminals that plug into the injectors, the light should flicker. The fuel pump fuse is in the area back of the ash tray there is a legend to identify it. Can tou smell the spark plugs to see if they smell like fuel? Do not spray any thing into the air filter or the mass meter.. warning do not use starting fluid in a gasoline engine.Are you shure that all the hoses from the air mass meter are connected and the intercooler hoses are not broken. You may also reach under the car and try to feel the fuel pump buzz, since it is a turbo it should have an outside fuel pump. Take the spark plug out of #1 cyl.and plug it into the wire and lay it over the valve cover put a finger close to the spark plug hole to see if the spark occurs at the time you feel compression. If you have a compression tester hose better yet,. screw it in the spark plug hole. There should also be two black relays inside the right front fender, one is a suppression relay the other a fan relay try swapping them.
Good luck
Dick K. from Fla.

blackvolvo95 · Post by **blackvolvo95** » 04 Sep 2011, 23:21

I finally towed the car to a local mechanic. Not sure what they did, but it may have been timing. Thanks for your help.