AboutRay Niemi Expertise ASE Master Rated. Ask any questions about Volvo models up to 2000. Runnability, starting and charging system, diagnostic codes, brakes, front end, where to get certain parts. Should I buy this Volvo or not? I will try to answer your question and give you the knowlege to make the best decision in your case.
Experience I started working on Volvo's in 1978 at the dealer and attended all the schools and achieved a Master rating. Since 1999 I have worked at independent shops and now own my own shop.
Organizations Alldata on line repair manuals. IATN network of techs.
ASE rating of Master.
Expert: Ray Niemi Date: 5/20/2008 Subject: Smoking Exhaust on 1996 Volvo 850 (non-turbo)
Question I was recently told that the smoke from my exhaust and the STRONG fumes (smells like sulfer) that I smell when I drive may be due to a failed valve seal. My first question is if this is on track for what might be the problem and secondly, what is the estimated cost for such work. Thanks.
Answer Keisha,
The sulfer smell is the cat converter, and that most likely means it is working but getting weak. Maybe too much oil has seeped passed the valve guides or seals and is now in the cat. Sometimes a good highway trip clears out the cat. The valve guide or seals could in fact be the oil leak. That is a pretty big job about $1200.00, depending on the labor rate in your area. Before any repairs have a compression and cylinder leakage test done to see if the engine is getting weak, possibily allowing oil to bypass the piston rings.
