I think I got taken

Post by **jblackburn** » 28 Sep 2010, 09:55

It's an automatic override most fuel-injected cars have.

Post by **thecheat** » 28 Sep 2010, 10:05

jablackburn wrote:Flooring the gas pedal keeps fuel from being introduced into the engine while cranking, allowing the compression to build up to the highest possible value so you get an accurate reading without gas washing away all the oil from the rings.

I beg to differ, I just changed my belt and water pump and we're pretty sure the belt stretched a bit. The power gains with the new belt were too significant for it not to be the case. We unscientifically compared both belts and believe the old belt was a bit longer than the new one.
Right. And now your timing is probably spot-on where it should be. But the timing can't be changed by moving the dist. cap like on some older cars.

I was thinking he would be in the same boat i was in with regard to performance, not changing the timing from the distrib. Wouldn't his 93 with 48,000 on the timing belt be in the same boat since the 93s have the 50k belt interval? Or am I thinking of the wrong year?

zhenya · Post by **zhenya** » 28 Sep 2010, 10:15

jablackburn wrote:It's an automatic override most fuel-injected cars have.

I'm aware that is the case when the throttle plate is fully closed - but fully open too? That seems counter-intuitive.

jamesspringer · Post by **jamesspringer** » 28 Sep 2010, 10:19

I have someone replacing the PCV valve today. I'll let everyone know how it works.

jamesspringer · Post by **jamesspringer** » 28 Sep 2010, 13:57

Apparently, there is supposed to be a screen in there and it is missing. That is why the PCV valve is all stopped up with solids. Fortunately, the guy thinks he can clean it and get it working again. He has the kit if he needs it but doesn't think he will have to use it. He went and got a replacement screen from a junked 850 and is putting that in. The manifold gasket looks brand new and actually slipped off when he lifted the manifold. The guy who worked on this car before didn't use any gasket sealant.

Are there two flame traps in the 850? Is there one that is part of the PCV system? I know I took the one out illustrated on Bay13

and the holder was empty. This guy said the flame trap was clogged???

Post by **jblackburn** » 28 Sep 2010, 15:01

You don't need sealant on the intake gasket, as there's no coolant running through the passages in the intake manifolds of these cars.

That is the flame trap screen in the picture, and is the first part to clog; that's why most people suggest removing it. If that's clear and the rest of the system (oil sep. box and hoses) are already new, maybe the ports in the engine itself are blocked up?

jamesspringer · Post by **jamesspringer** » 28 Sep 2010, 15:36

Catalytic converter is completely clogged up. That explains a lot; why didn't I think of that. I got an engine code (212) yesterday that means faulty oxygen sensor. That should have tipped me off right there. That explains the high backpressure and the lack of power too. Damn, those are expensive!!

I suggested just reaming out the converter as a temporary fix until I could get a new one but a mechanic from the local Volvo dealership said that running it like that would eventually damage the engine. Whay is that?

jamesspringer · Post by **jamesspringer** » 28 Sep 2010, 16:46

Apparently leaking badly around the valve covers now. Leaked or blew 4 quarts of oil within the last 2 days. I looked at the valve cover when I bought the car. I would have seen it if it was pouring out like that. Well I have spent the other $400 I had saved to spend on a car. Couldn't get the valve cover gasket today so I'll have to spend even more. Keep your fingers crossed that I didn't blow out another seal or two driving it today to get it fixed....

MatDesign84 · Post by **MatDesign84** » 04 Oct 2010, 21:36

jamesspringer wrote:I suggested just reaming out the converter as a temporary fix until I could get a new one but a mechanic from the local Volvo dealership said that running it like that would eventually damage the engine. Why is that?

I would like to know the answer to this question too James. Also I would like to say, I am not in as bad of a situation as you are but I believe I have bought (second 850 first was a 93) a bad used car. As I mentioned I had a 93 and enjoyed it for 5 years so if I can help you with anything let me know or I will let you know.

jamesspringer · Post by **jamesspringer** » 05 Oct 2010, 10:20

Thanks. I had the PCV, catalytic converter, airbox, cam seals, and flametrap replaced. A Volvo mechanic (friend of a friend) is supposed to pick up the car sometime soon and give it a good going over. His initial thopughts were that I may need the entire top of the engine rebuilt.

He said the PCV was full of solids and gunk BECAUSE the flame trap was missing. It makes sense now that I think about it. The flame trap clogs up a lot, right?. if it isn't in place, whatever usually clogs the flame trap up gets past and in where it can clog something else up. Seems to me that leaving the flame trap in place and occasionally replacing a cheap and easy to get to part beats the heck out of spending a lot more time and money tearing the engine apart to get to whatever else gets clogged up because the flame trap is missing....

I think I got taken

Re: I think I got taken