Power Loss

Martin · Post by **Martin** » 25 Jul 2004, 12:34

I was driving along in my '93 Volvo 850 when there was a sudden loss of power and the engine cut out and refused to start. There is only an unusual high pitched sound from the starter, as if it wasn't engaging. Even under tow I could not get the engine to fire up. I think the system relay is fine and I get a once-only spurt of petrol from the test valve. I have enjoyed reading most of the available tips on the site and have tried out all suggestions but I'm still grounded. I would appreciate help from anyone who has had similar experience or from anyone who knows the fix.

Post by **matthew1** » 25 Jul 2004, 13:54

Timing belt break? Was there a clatter sound when it died?

How many miles ya got?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 25 Jul 2004, 14:11

matthew1 wrote:Timing belt break? Was there a clatter sound when it died?

How many miles ya got?

Thanks for the reply Matthew. There was no noise at all when the car cut out, just a feeling like I had run out of fuel. The timing belt seems to be intact though there are 111k miles on the clock. I tried getting a code message and the only one I could access suggested a Camshaft Position problem. Could this cause my problem and where do I find the sensor?

Many thanks

potroast · Post by **potroast** » 25 Jul 2004, 14:21

yes, a CPS would cause this problem. A timing belt with 111,000 mi is WAY over-due. For the 93-94 850's you must change at 50k (so you should be on your 3rd belt) and for the 95-97 engines you must change at 70k (so the 2nd belt).

The CPS is on the right side of the engine, near the rear. It is a cylindar attached to the exhaust camshaft by two torx screws. A new one will be around $100 for the part.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 25 Jul 2004, 14:57

potroast wrote:yes, a CPS would cause this problem. A timing belt with 111,000 mi is WAY over-due. For the 93-94 850's you must change at 50k (so you should be on your 3rd belt) and for the 95-97 engines you must change at 70k (so the 2nd belt).

The CPS is on the right side of the engine, near the rear. It is a cylindar attached to the exhaust camshaft by two torx screws. A new one will be around $100 for the part.

Thanks for your help Potroast! I'll give this a go.

Post by **matthew1** » 25 Jul 2004, 15:05

I was just going to refer you to this thread:
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/chat/p ... t+position

In it potroast talks about his experience with the cps.

Post by **matthew1** » 25 Jul 2004, 15:05

And change that belt!

Martin · Post by **Martin** » 26 Jul 2004, 16:10

matthew1 wrote:And change that belt!

Matthew,
You were right the first time. The timing belt didn't break - it just stripped the teeth off itself and has left me looking at a very expensive valve job - at least. Be advised all 850 owners - check that belt!! (I might have a go at a repair myself)
Thanks for your time guys.
Martin