1994 940 issues

jericl2010 · Post by **jericl2010** » 05 May 2012, 21:13

Hi,

I bought a 1994 940 turbo (though not stated on backside of car) wagon a couple months ago and have some issues I need help with.

To begin, when I bought the car, there was a hissing sound coming from under the car where the fuel pump and fuel filter are, but the PO told me it was normal. I'm not so sure.

Also, the cruise control does not work. And I believe it is the kickdown cable from the tranny that is not connected to the wheel shaped thing that the accelerator pedal connects to under the hood. I also know the radiator was replaced (not sure why.) The air conditioner does not seem to be charged either. These are the things I know that were going on with it when I bought it.

So, the car drove fine up until a week ago. I drove to the store about five minutes from my house. When I came back out to my car it would not start. About two hours later on a random attempt to start it, it fired up. I drove it to my house and when I turned it off I immediately tried to turn it back over and it would not turn over. It cranks a plenty, but will not turn over. Yesterday I went out to it and it started fine so I took a look under the hood and where the turbo connects to the block the car was spitting fluid. Not very much, but I could see fluid hitting the turbo until it got really hot and of course I couldn't see it anymore. the turbo is getting really hot. Maybe it always does (not sure cause I never checked under normal circumstances). After the car cooled down I looked at where the turbo connects to the block and there is a whitish discoloration. Not much, but it's there. I'm guessing I need a new gasket there, but I can't figure out how to remove the turbo or a site that shows the gasket that I need to buy.

There may be multiple issues going on here. Today the car cranked, but would not turn over again.

I would appreciate any help anyone can give me. I don't know where to begin. It seems I need to replace the gasket where the turbo meets the block. I could use instructions on this. I have the chilton but can't find it in there anywhere. I also think that it may have a leak around the fuel pump. I'm not sure how to test for it and also it may need a new fuel pump.

Thank you in advance for your guidance!

Jason Lockhart

jericl2010 · Post by **jericl2010** » 08 May 2012, 02:57

Hello community,

Can anyone help me with these issues?

I really need the help.

Please and thank you.

If you need additional info please ask.'

Thanks again.

Post by **billofdurham** » 08 May 2012, 13:16

First, have you checked for any fault codes using the On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) unit in the engine compartment? Not all faults will set a code but this is a first step in diagnosis which can save a lot of time. Instructions for its use are pinned at the top of the forum.

If I heard a hissing sound near the fuel pump and filter I would not assume it was normal. The only sound you should hear is the pump running as it delivers the fuel to the engine. Check in that area for leaks. It may be a bad joint letting air in.

To get an engine to start you need two things - fuel and a spark. Have you checked for both? If the fuel is reaching the engine but not firing the spark plugs will be soaked with unburned fuel. Try to start it and if it fails to fire remove one of the plugs and see if it is wet. If it is dry you have a fuel delivery problem. If it is wet you probably have a spark problem. With the spark plug still out put it back into the end of the plug lead and lay it on the engine so that the tip is near to the metal. Now turn the engine over and you should see a nice, big blue spark jump from the end of the plug to the engine. If the spark is puny and orange you have an ignition problem.

Try these things first before going on to the turbo because if the engine won't run the turbo is useless to you anyway.

To help with a diagram of the turbo which one is it, the Garrett or the Mitsubishi?

Bill.

jericl2010 · Post by **jericl2010** » 08 May 2012, 18:28

Hi Bill,
Thank you so much for responding. I did the diagnostic testing and I only got one fault code: 2:2:4 in pin 6. I looked it up and it has to do with the coolant return. I can't remember exactly, but when the PO put the new radiator in they failed (possibly on purpose) to put the pressure piece back inline right before the radiator. Sorry, my terminology is bad.

I will check for spark shortly and report back to you. I'm not sure which turbo. I just looked on it to see if I could figure it out, but I saw no writing whatsoever. However, I think I was wrong suggesting the turbo. When I just took a closer look it looks like the leak and spitting of fluid of some sort is where the manifold connects to the exhaust on the passenger side of the vehicle. Where the two connect is where the whitish discoloration is.

I'll get back to you regarding the spark plugs shortly.
Thanks again!!!

I have four kids to tote around and this is my transportation so I do not take the help you are offering lightly. I really appreciate it!

jericl2010 · Post by **jericl2010** » 08 May 2012, 19:38

Hi again,

Well, I just went and tried to start the car. I could not get it to turn over. After turning the key a couple times I removed a spark plug and it was dry. I went back in and tried to start it again. Five tries later I removed a different spark plug it was a little wet, but not soaking. I'm not sure where on the engine I should place the spark plug to test for spark. Right on the valve cover? Where is a safe spot?
Oh yeah, what should the pump sound like? When I turn the key before the car turns over I can hear the pump come on and then go back off pretty quickly after a couple of seconds. The hiss doesn't start until the car turns over. What would be the best way to find a leak under there. I have gotten under there before but I could not pen point the sound by ear. Any suggestions.
Thanks.

Kirby J · Post by **Kirby J** » 09 May 2012, 14:19

I found out the hard way that if you have a 740/940 that won't start, check the timing belt. If it has broken or slipped a couple of notches, you can crank it all day, and it will just laugh at you. IF it is your timing belt, it is not an expensive fix. Often you can remove a couple of bolts on the upper cover and peek inside to see what is going on.
Kirby J

Post by **billofdurham** » 09 May 2012, 16:25

When I do the spark plug test I enlist my wife as an assistant. I hold the plug about 1/8" from the engine USING INSULATED PLIERS on the plug lead. My wife then turns the ignition key whilst I watch for a spark. If you can't find an assistant just lay the plug on the engine with the tip as close as possible to the metal. Basically you are earthing (grounding) the plug to get the current to flow.

If you hear the pump when you first switch on the ignition it is working. The sound is only momentary as it stops if it isn't pushing fuel into the engine. There is another pump in the tank which you should be able to hear momentarily as the ignition is switched on. This pump is a priming pump for the main pump. If it isn't working the main pump struggles to pull fuel through if the level is low in the tank. Anything over 1/2 tank it can manage without the in-tank pump. To hear this one is a little more difficult but if you remove the filler cap and listen at the filler whilst someone switches on the ignition you should be able to hear it.

As for the hissing noise I think we shall have to leave that until you get the engine running.

As Kirby J suggests, also do a quick check on the timing belt.

Bill.

jericl2010 · Post by **jericl2010** » 09 May 2012, 21:55

Alright, I will get back to work on this tomorrow and let you know what happens. I looked at the timing belt itself and it looks fine. Other than breaks or misalignment I'm not sure what else to look for. Seems ok to me.
Thanks!

jericl2010 · Post by **jericl2010** » 11 May 2012, 19:48

OK... so I checked for spark and have spark. I check fuel and like I said before it was dry and then after several attempts to turn the engine over one of the spark plugs was a little wet. Last night I went to gas station and got enough gas to put the level above half. I jumped my car and after several attempts it started. It smoked for awhile out of the exhaust and sounded a little rough but it was running. It's been about three hours and it continues to start for me. The smoke went away after idling for about 10 minutes. I drove it around town and it has some hesitation while I'm accelerating, but still has good power. When I got home I turned off engine and verified with my ear to gas filler cap that I DO hear the in tank fuel pump and I hear the other pump kick on and off while sitting in the drivers seat. It seams they are both working. However, the fact that it starts every time with gas above half tank seems to point to in tank fuel pump. I have no visible fluid leaking from this vehicle. What are your thoughts? The local parts shop has an in tank fuel pump in stock. Is it time to buy it or time for more testing?
Thanks.

jericl2010 · Post by **jericl2010** » 11 May 2012, 19:52

Well, I just tried to start it again and it wouldn't turn over again. :0(