1996 850 Turbo - won't start, overheated, etc

DougM · Post by **DougM** » 27 Jul 2015, 11:14

Hopefully our sons' 1996 850 Platinum didn't just kick the bucket.

Here are the issues.

Oldest son reported that he needed to get the car jumped to come home from work. I have the battery checked at Autozone and it is fine. Put it back in, and try to start it. It has enough power to try to start the car, and after several tries it sputters to a start. Of course there is now a chirping sound and some whining. After doing some research here, sounds like something with the serpentine belt or tensioner pulleys.

Today I have the car out, and after a few stops, we decided to head home. While on the highway I have to give it gas to pass someone. The turbo kicks in and immediately the temperature gauge pegs itself and the check engine light comes on (haven't checked the code yet--reader is in another car that isn't home). When I make it home there is steam coming from the radiator overflow cap. I popped that off and started adding water to it. Water must be evaporating or disappearing somewhere based on the amount of water I added. Then when I tried to start the car again, it tries to turn over, but won't, and there is steam coming out the exhaust pipe.

Any thoughts?

Sommerfeldt · Post by **Sommerfeldt** » 27 Jul 2015, 12:02

Chances are it's time for a new engine, there...
Water / steam coming out the tailpipe and water disappearing rapidly probably means your head gasket's fried, warped head, whatnot... If it won't even turn over even with power in the battery, then it could be vapour locked or straight out seized.

Either way, don't try and start it until you know more.

- S

Post by **RussB** » 27 Jul 2015, 14:51

I wonder if that whining and chirping was coming from the timing belt pulleys or water pump?

Post by **tryingbe** » 27 Jul 2015, 19:57

Any coolant in oil? Did you check the plugs for coolant yet? Sounds like the cylinders are full of coolant.

DougM · Post by **DougM** » 28 Jul 2015, 08:57

Just got the call from the garage. Either head gasket or cracked head.

Looks like time for a replacement vehicle.

mika · Post by **mika** » 28 Jul 2015, 09:01

or a replacement engine. 260 $ at junkyard near me. Is the car in good shape? have you put money into suspension, tires, other maintenance? Maybe its worth keeping, or getting a different (cheap) 850 and transferring parts over? keep your options open.

DougM · Post by **DougM** » 28 Jul 2015, 13:01

I haven't put a lot of other money into this one lately, and don't feel like dumping money into it right now.

Next question is...how do I get rid of a non-running car with an engine issue like this? It is a Platinum model, but unfortunately it has some minor damage to both driver side doors (side swipe). The driver's seat has some tears too. But other than that it is in good shape. And I have 5 nice alloy wheels that came on the Platinum model.

Post by **tryingbe** » 28 Jul 2015, 13:43

Take pictures, post it up for $1000 on here and Craigslist, take whatever best offer would be.

DougM · Post by **DougM** » 29 Jul 2015, 06:06

Took your advice. It is on the For Sale forum here (https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... =6&t=71018)

And on Craigslist too.