The 940 is now.....symptomatic.

[tworedvolvos]

Newer Volvo guy here.

Wondering if folks can offer some help to put together the developing puzzle.

So my 1994 940 Turbo wagon is now having a smattering of symptoms that make me wonder...is my head gasket blown? Is this all there is? What the meaning of life? What is my purpose?

Here's what's happened:

• Replaced water pump in last month or so, didn't know to "bubble it" and let the air out that had been introduced into the system.
• Filled coolant and a day later it was empty, so refilled again.
• Finally released the pressure, but hoping it's not too late.
• Shortly after starting, engine struggles and sputters, white smoke sometimes appears.
• Heater stopped working but I ran engine with coolant reservoir top off, and now heat works again ONLY on full blast.
• Checked fuses yesterday and a 30A fuse on Fuse 16? (AC Fan Blower motor if I can recall) was shorted to the point it had melted the fuse completely.
• There is white smoke that my brother has said is "coolant burnoff" coming from the left side of the engine. Looks maybe like from the exhaust manifold gasket which I had replaced 2 years ago. Could also be from a crack in the head but haven't looked to see yet.

Ran the codes and here is what I got:
A6 - 144
B3 - 122
B6 - No code

Cleared my MAF sensor yesterday FYI. Seems to have helped a bit maybe. Check Engine light is still on.

Thoughts on how to proceed? I have Chilton's manual but wondering if anyone has any ideas here.

Thanks,
Hunter
513.290.9105

[volvolugnut]

Try a pressure test on the engine using a coolant tank cap adapter. This will see if you have leak down of the coolant system. You could also get the chemical indicator for exhaust gas in the coolant. Quick check the oil in the sump for milky color that indicates water in the oil.
You can get some air out of coolant by pinching the top radiator hose to bump the air. Repeat the pinching until you get no bubbles in the overflow tank.
Be very careful you do not have cylinders partly filled with coolant - when you crank it can bend piston rods. This will make your engine junk. Pull the spark plugs to check for coolant in each cylinder.
Others may add their comments.
volvolugnut