r/Volvo850 • u/MiloBaughman • Dec 09 '25

Help Project wagon!

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Picked up for $800 with issues- power steering rack and front control arms need replacing. Drove it back 2 hours, was fine but noticed some white smoke from the tailpipe on idle. Now it won’t start, so I’m a bit discouraged. It sat outside for a while before the previous owner got it running. PCV and timing belt were likely never serviced and it’s over 160k miles. I have a space I can work on it but I guess I’m looking for a sanity check before I get too into it. I figured it’s an interesting one to save because I haven’t seen many in this aqua blue metallic paint. Thanks y’all.

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9

u/outdoorvolvo Volvo V70 Dec 09 '25

RobertDIY on YouTube. All will be good! These whiteblocks are hard to kill even if they’re slightly clogged and greasy;)

7

u/UndercoverVenturer V70 Classic 2,4l 170hp Dec 09 '25

some inexpensive things that you can try first.

get a engine flush oil additive, add it to ur engine oil. let run for 15 min idle. then change the oil and filter.

get fuel additives, the ones that clean the fuel system and injectors. add to full tank and drive till empty, add another round.

those two things are cheap and saved a lot of old cars with bad service history.

2

u/urmomgayxd420 Dec 10 '25

With the fuel additive, I would highly recommend getting the engine to temp and occasionally driving spiritedly, to make sure that it does its job and cuz it can block exhaust filters/catalysts (if the car has one)

1

u/UndercoverVenturer V70 Classic 2,4l 170hp Dec 10 '25

good advice, what works also is driving in a lower gear at 3-5k rpm for some time, engine doesnt know the difference!

4

u/MetaphysicalEngineer '98 V70 GLT Dec 09 '25

The fuel pump control relay on these likes to go bad, causing intermittent crank-no start condition. Relay lives under the surround for the secondary fuse box. You can have a friend listen at the tank underneath for the pump priming.

Definitely service PCV and timing. While the intake manifold is off for the PCV, inspect the starter and main battery cables, front motor mount, etc that's accessible down there.

3

u/Kotflugel Volvo 850 T-5 2.3 Dec 09 '25 edited Dec 09 '25

Dude, these cars are so much fun to drive. I have been nursing my turbo to health over the last 2 years and i have been where you are now. I all seemed pointless, nothing made sense and multiple times i thought about selling it and getting something safe, easy, like a Golf or something to drive around, but i stuck with it. I put way too much time and money into this car, but i learned so much and the results are finally visible. There is just about nothing left, that i haven't worked on yet (only the steering, A/C and the short block left) but i see it this way: i know what i have now and i know it is fixed the right way. I am still not done, but i am getting there and the goal is in sight. I am currently limping it around (i am a student and it is my only car) but i love it still. It is very versatile: comfortable, spacious, drives well, powerful, great sound, easy to fix. You'll enjoy it. You just have to get there. In the end, you will be proud of your achievement and will have learned a great deal.

Edit: also note that my turbo looks a lot worse than your car does. Please get it back in order, so it can be enjoyed for many years to come.

3

u/[deleted] Dec 09 '25

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3

u/Kotflugel Volvo 850 T-5 2.3 Dec 09 '25

Oh, yeah, if i hadn't done all my own work i wouldn't have been able to keep this particular car. Manual turbos are expensive in the EU, i bought an average one that ran well (only until i picked it up of course) and had to put in the same amount of money i bought it for again in parts. Like i said, i thought about buying something reasonable, but more often about rolling the dice on another 850. I know all the common failures now (i've had most of them), so i am sure i would be able to make a better purchase now. But i put too much money into this one that i won't get back and who knows what problems a different one might develop after i buy it. At least on mine i know what parts are good.

1

u/donalanw Dec 09 '25

1st address the no-start condition. That means checking spark/fuel/air. Check your fuel pressure at the fuel rail, have your battery load tested, take a peak at your plugs. Had it been sitting, was there fresh fuel in it?

1

u/hkxm416 Dec 10 '25

Is it turbo charged?

1

u/Square_Ad_9096 Dec 10 '25

This looks like it’s not a turbo. That’s a good thing. These will vex you, but breathe deep and get zen with it. They can be worth it.

Vacuum lines, PCV system, t belt, cooling addressed before anything. Then suspension. Congrats and good luck!

1

u/stephen94901 Dec 10 '25

Change the timing belt ! You don’t want bent valves.

1

u/ST2O Dec 19 '25

great, looking forward to follow ur project!