Hi, I need some advise on my 2000 model V70 T5 turbo Automatic. The car has always driven superbly with masses of power until 2 weeks ago whilst doing 55 mph the engine stalled and haven't been able to start it since. The engine does not crank over very fast, there is 60 psi on the end cylinders and 120 psi on the others, so low compression on two opposite end cylinders. From too much cranking, had to replace the starter motor and solenoid as white smoke coming from it so this is now brand new. The battery is fully charged and almost new and the correct battery for the car. Fuel is getting through to the engine and electrical tests have been done with no faults found. Timing belt is intact and when cranking camshaft seems to be working fine as I can see rockers etc moving up and down when I look inside the oil filler cap. The engine has plenty of oil. there were no strange noises or warnings prior to car dieing, however the music was on quite loud. The ECU diagnostics is not reporting any problems and the garage Ive taken it to say the problem is more than likely in the gearbox or engine. Possibly crank shaft or torque/tool converter (whatever its called) but they are not certain without doing a strip down or separation of gearbox and engine to see why low cranking and compression. The garage tried to turn the engine over by hand and said it was extremely hard to turn. I don't know what to do, everything has been checked thoroughly, no lose electrical connections etc. Can anyone shed some light on this please?

Transmission is fine, but you probably spun a crankshaft bearing or two. Time for a new engine.
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My back feels better when I sit in a Volvo seat

Really? If this is the cause, is the damage or repair difficulty level that problematic that its easier or cheaper to put a new engine in? Please elaborate on what damage has occurred if this has happened. Thank you.

You always come up with strange problems where there are no easy answers. If the engine was low on oil and the turbo in use, it could rob the crank of needed oil to keep it bathed and friction free. From your paragraph, I concluded that the main bearings are toast. Repair requires total disassembly of the block and not worth the effort or dollars.

You probably did not buy this car new, so the previous owner might have driven it without oil for 5 minutes - that's all it takes.

The compression sounds normal for a car that has been a nonstarter, as the gasoline will wash the rings of oil needed to build compression. But because speed of the cranking should have increased due to the lower compression, and, it has gotten slower, the fault is most likely in the main bearings.

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My back feels better when I sit in a Volvo seat

Oil level is just under maximum level so back to square one I guess?

Thank you very much for all the information, it is most helpful to me to know what the possible cause is. I have owned the car for a year and never had any issues with it. I will check the oil level when I go to the garage later on. I last topped up the oil 4 weeks ago and have done approximately 400 miles since then so the oil level should be fine. The turbo was in use when the car died so I will let you know later on about the oil level, many thanks for your help.

Per a volvo indie the camshaft position sensor may be bad. You said engine cranks so the mechanical seem to be good. I would get a new sensor and install. They can be had for $50. Not much cost my 2005 XC would crank and not start. Then try again and barely start. He changed cam position sensor and presto.

It also did one at speed stall. So sounds alot like your troubles.

Please check the timing belt, it is possible that the belt broke!

Thank you but the timing belt is intact and not broken. ?