Anyone know about Volvos?

[Reignstarz]

Hi guys, I know its kinda strictly cb7's >_> But I figured id ask a question about a 1998 Volvo S70 Turbo I just bought for 328 dollars.

Before I bought it I looked it over and when we started it a lot of white smoke(Thick white smoke) came out of the exhaust.

There was some oil ontop of the engine where you put oil into it.

Also there was some kind of steam coming out of the vents in the car where the heat comes out of.

I asked the guy about it he said the reason why the smoke was there was before a turbo gasket was bad(Said his mechanic told him) and that the steam was from the car not running for a very long time(condensation?).

The steam coming into the car built up on the steering wheel and you have to wipe it off.

My question is.

Head gasket? Or Turbo Gasket.

He said it was low on antifreeze the temp never got to the top but was about half way maybe 3/4.

This is all IDLE by the way not driving. He said if you drive it on the highway the condensation in the car goes away.

So Head gasket or turbo...

Or maybe low antifreeze/PCV?

Idk any ideas? thanks.

[deevergote]

Try asking in the correct section.

[visualpoet]

Thick white smoke out of the exhaust on start to me says head gasket.
A blown turbo gasket would either make whistling noises (it's an exhaust leak) or possibly blue/grey smoke from dumping oil into a hot exhaust.
Steam coming out of the vents says blown heater core, or loose heater core line. I've never, ever seen steam coming from the vents of a car because it sat for too long.

I'd say the antifreeze is low because it's pouring out of the car as steam from the vents and the tailpipe.

I don't understand what you mean by low PCV?

[Reignstarz]

Try asking in the correct section.

Thanks for moving it deeve.

And I think it might be the head gasket. But the car isn't over heating blah..

Guess imma have to change it lol. Thanks for the help.

[deevergote]

It won't overheat until the coolant gets low, unless the coolant contaminates the oil enough to seriously compromise its ability to lubricate, and the friction results in serious heat production.

Change the head gasket before serious damage is done!

[DJ metadelic]

Yes, sounds like a HG. I work for a VW-Audi/Volvo dealership. I see a lot of S series in for head gaskets and water pumps actually, and half the time they are failures--a lot of the time due to a waterjacket problem.

A lot of customers experience further issues when they split heads. So, fix it please

[Reignstarz]

Yes, sounds like a HG. I work for a VW-Audi/Volvo dealership. I see a lot of S series in for head gaskets and water pumps actually, and half the time they are failures--a lot of the time due to a waterjacket problem.

A lot of customers experience further issues when they split heads. So, fix it please

Oh nice thanks for the advice. Is that the reason why the antifreeze is coming through the vents?

What would you recommend for a head gasket kit(Everything I need)

[mj213]

antifreeze through vents may be heater core.

[Reignstarz]

antifreeze through vents may be heater core.

Thanks.

could that cause the white smoke through the exhaust?

[deevergote]

Thanks.

could that cause the white smoke through the exhaust?

No. In order for something to come out the exhaust, it must pass through the engine. Head gasket, cracked cylinder wall, or some odd coolant passage in the head that we're unaware of (We know Hondas... we don't really know Volvos!)

[Accrdwgnguy]

Guy could be right about the turbo gasket if its water cooled.

[deevergote]

Oh yeah, I keep forgetting the damn turbo...

You'd have to see how it's set up. Make sure that the turbo gasket would allow coolant to get into the exhaust if it failed... If not, you may be looking at a cracked turbo.