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Head Gasket - Maybe Not??? 200 1987

posted by  cpere91 on  Fri Feb 21 00:45 CST 2003
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Hi All,

The ole Volvo broke down the other day. Sudden loss of power, rough running. Pulled over and shut down. Appeared to be overheating (although temp gauge read low - SUSPECT). Towed home.

Took a look at it yesterday. Oil looks good (level, color).
Coolant reservior low, and slight shade of brown.

When I try to start it - it seems like it's missing while starting - almost like it's hitting wrong stroke or something - very strange, labored starting. Won't fire correctly.

This has me stumped. I initially thought this was head gasket, but now not sure. Maybe timing belt slipped?? Should I check the timing, too? Can I get a rough guess by looking at any alignment marks on the cam and crank?


Thanks in advance.

Curt







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    Head Gasket - Maybe Not??? 200 1987

    posted by  rhaire on  Fri Feb 21 01:29 CST 2003
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    last visit: Mon Aug 4 10:16 CST 2014
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    Sounds suspiciously like another 007 AMM failure to me. You can rule it in or out by unplugging the AMM, then start the car and see if it idles fine. It won't drive well but it should idle fine and you then know the AMM died.








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    Head Gasket - Maybe Not??? 200 1987

    posted by  chris herbst on  Fri Feb 21 01:19 CST 2003
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    last visit: Mon Oct 20 20:32 CST 2014
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    It could be the head gasket, as a blown head gasket between cylinders can lead to that kind of starting sound. It would have to be really bad for the car not to start, though.

    The timing belt could be the real problem. The coolant could be brown because of system contamination, corrosion, or a number of reasons. Oil in the coolant will usually appear on the surface, though. At least partially.

    When you verify the t-belt, you have to have access to see all three of the alignment marks; cam, crank, and intermediate shaft.

    Obviously a compression check would be in order if you find the timing belt to be lined up properly.
    --
    chris herbst, near chicago







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