1995 Volvo 850 dash lights come on car stops

[correllkp]

Update. Ran out of weather and time to replace the starter myself. Had car towed to mechanic. Mechanic doesn’t think it is the starter but rather no compression. So, if so, that would mean I loss total compression while driving after about 40 minutes at highway speeds. Any thoughts what would cause total compression loss in all five cylinders? Car has about 90K miles. I still think the starter doesn’t crank well...kind of weak and sickly.

[WhatAmIDoing]

If you have no compression, starter would crank faster than normal. Did he even perform a compression test? If not, find a new mechanic. What's more likely is he wants you to junk the car so he doesn't have to replace a starter.

My curren't theory, starter may have engaged will driving due to a short, starter gear shammed and stalled engine, in the process starter was cooked. This happened to my friend's chevy, not so sure how applicable it would be to a Volvo.

You said your car is a stick shift, have you tried a push start?

[correllkp]

Update: Compression check failed...air was exiting through the intake valve. Partially disassembling the engine the mechanic finds that ALL the intake valves are stuck in the open position (cam turns and t-belt not broken). I cannot imagine how or why this could happen to all valves at the same time while driving along. Any thoughts?

[Ozark Lee]

I am questioning the diagnosis. Having no compression on all cylinders is fairly common and it is easily fixed by dumping a teaspoon of oil into each spark plug hole and then putting the spark plugs back in. Crank until it fires and runs.

It has been dubbed "lawnmower syndrome" and it typically occurs when the car is started and then quickly turned off.

If all of the valves are stuck open and the top end of the engine is torn off then you are kind stuck and you are at a decision point on how to proceed. Re-working the head and replacing the head gasket is fairly big money if you are paying a mechanic.

...Lee