back for another 850...

krush · Post by **krush** » 14 Feb 2012, 10:17

Well, I'm back... And I'm in the market for another 850. A few weeks ago I found what looked to be a decent 95 Turbo on Craigslist for a couple thousand. Fast forward to now and the same car is now listed for only $1200, but it's developed a problem in the last few weeks. Apparently, the cam sensor is dead, so the car won't start. These are supposedly the words of the mechanic he took the car to. So, how hard is it to replace a cam sensor on an 95 Turbo?

Even if I don't get this one, I'm dead set on another 850, preferably a turbo.

Post by **jblackburn** » 14 Feb 2012, 10:31

EASY! Unscrew 2 bolts and a plug (and sometimes move a pipe out of the way) and replace it.

The cam sensor is expensive (@ $200 or so), but if that's really the problem, you've got a working car for cheap.

Look out for other things any of them will need...PCV system service, AC evaporator, suspension work, etc.

Post by **fazool** » 14 Feb 2012, 10:35

Does a cam sensor failure throw a CEL code ?

Post by **jblackburn** » 14 Feb 2012, 10:36

Sometimes - but only if the computer noticed something off with it while the engine was running.

krush · Post by **krush** » 15 Feb 2012, 11:13

the real question for me is will a bad cam sensor stop the car from starting and running?

Post by **jblackburn** » 15 Feb 2012, 11:13

krush · Post by **krush** » 15 Feb 2012, 13:21

jblackburn wrote:Yes.

then when my check comes, I may be the owner of a green 850 turbo!

oh, does this require any sort of alignment tool or anything like that?

volvo850black · Post by **volvo850black** » 15 Feb 2012, 16:56

You can get cam sensors used on Ebay or at a pull-a-part for really cheap. I got 2 for less than $20 at a pull-a-part in Tennessee. After the cam sensor is replaced you may have to treat the car for sweedish lawnmower syndrom. Put a teaspoon of motor oil in each cylinder put plugs back in and crank till it catches. That was what I had to do when my cam sensor failed and it would not restart.

krush · Post by **krush** » 15 Feb 2012, 17:26

volvo850black wrote:You can get cam sensors used on Ebay or at a pull-a-part for really cheap. I got 2 for less than $20 at a pull-a-part in Tennessee. After the cam sensor is replaced you may have to treat the car for sweedish lawnmower syndrom. Put a teaspoon of motor oil in each cylinder put plugs back in and crank till it catches. That was what I had to do when my cam sensor failed and it would not restart.

so... you're saying take each plug out, pour a teaspoon of oil in, reseat the plugs, then fire it up???

strange... never heard of having to do that with a car.

Post by **jblackburn** » 15 Feb 2012, 17:29

Volvos are strange creatures.

But essentially it builds compression back up in the cylinders that have been washed down by gasoline if it still won't start on the first try.