Car dies while driving

[lummert]

I've seen valve covers blown off of a 396 because of too much starting fluid.

[940tvolvo]

Thank you for all the response so much appreciated. I did the starter fluid and still will not start. It turns over but will not start. How about relays or engine coils? It sounds like it is not getting any spark, but if it was relays or coils would the car just die on me while driving?

Again thank you soooooo much I really do appreciate all the suggestions..

[dj_v70]

Ok, you tried the starter fluid and it did not work. The car didn’t get any closer to starting than before, correct? If that is the case it is not likely a fuel related issue.

Next, spark. However, you suggested on Jan 5th, your roommate already checked spark. The approach that you described is valid. Do you trust your room mate? I only ask because you are suggesting to try again. Feel free to re-check if you feel it is warranted. Unless you say otherwise, I am assuming this test passed.

Next, check the timing belt... which was already suggested. I discounted that earlier until fuel and spark were tested first. However, if you haven’t tried that earlier, it is definitely next in line. My recollection is that you can actually see a little bit of the timing gear behind top of timing cover on that engine. If you can’t see it, remove top timing cover bolt and pull it back slightly and crank engine and verify that that gear is turning. If so, timing belt is not broken. It could have slipped, but that is a little harder to test, so let’s skip for now.

You should also check the engine diagnostics. On the Volvo 240 of that year, there is a little box on driver wheel well in engine compartment that is used for diagnostics. I assume your model has same capability.

[RickHaleParker]

It could have slipped, but that is a little harder to test, so let’s skip for now.

Easy to check. The only two things that could allow the belt to slip is missing teeth or it is loose. Press down on the belt to check deflection and visually inspect for missing teeth.

[dj_v70]

[/quote]

Easy to check. The only two things that could allow the belt to slip is missing teeth or it is loose. Press down on the belt to check deflection and visually inspect for missing teeth.
[/quote]

Hmm, what is easiest way to do that? Take top half of timing cover off and inspect/crank multiple times? If so, I don’t recall if top half of timing cover can be removed on that engine without first removing alternator belts, fan and pulley.

[RickHaleParker]

If so, I don’t recall if top half of timing cover can be removed on that engine without first removing alternator belts, fan and pulley.

1. Remove drive belts and coolant pump pulley
2. Loosen adjustments.
3. Remove all drive belts.
4. Remove coolant pump pulley.
5. Remove upper timing belt cover.