240DL trembles and black smoke coming out if muffler

Hi,
I recently posted a problem similar to this but yesterday it got worse. When
I turn on my '89 240DL, the car starts trembling (it's a very noticeable
tremble) and black smoke is coming out of the muffler at the same "rhythm"
as the trembling (ie. everytime car trembles, black smoke comes out - it's
not constant smoke). I took it to a Volvo mechanic and he told me that it
was a problem with the engine block (I think he said water is falling into
the pistons) so they'll have to take the engine block out and solder a rusty
piece in it. And it's going to cost me $500+ . I have a bad feeling about
these mechanics' practices so I wanted to consult with you guys first.

Before yesterday, it used to tremble but, as soon as I gave it gas for a few
seconds, everything went back to normal (I never noticed if black smoke was
coming out).

Although I know nothing about cars, I did notice that there's less coolant
(I filled it about a seek ago) and now it's almost empty.

What do you guys think?

Any help is appreciated.

 

Find another repair shop & get a second opinion on what is wrong a third
estimate from the dealer would not hurt either before you go off blindly
Glenn

--
"*-344-*Never Forgotten"
Is for the New York City Firemen who lost their lives on September 11,2001.
The official count is 343, but there was also a volunteer who lost his life
aiding in the initial rescue efforts. And I will never forget them as long
as I live,
nor should any American.
"Mow Green"

 

Without seeing the car & what codes if any are stored it would be impossible
to even guess what it could be but I do not like what the first garage told
you I wish that I could be of more help right now please post back as to
what your other diagnoses are then I might be able to guide you in a
direction
Glenn

--
"*-344-*Never Forgotten"
Is for the New York City Firemen who lost their lives on September 11,2001.
The official count is 343, but there was also a volunteer who lost his life
aiding in the initial rescue efforts. And I will never forget them as long
as I live,
nor should any American.
"Mow Green"

 

I wanted to do that but I wasn't sure if my car would break down if I kept
on driving it. But I guess I have no choice.
Would you by any chance have an idea of what may be causing this?

 

If it was my car, I'd pull out the dipstick and take off the oil
filler cap, and inspect for a creamy brown coating indicating water
in the crankcase. This could indicated a cracked block or a failed
head gasket. I'd also inspect the coolant reservoir for falling
levels. A failed head gasket would cost you a lot less.

Pulling the spark plugs might tell you a few things, too- the ceramic
insulator that goes inside the combustion chamber should have an even
light brown coloration on all of the plugs.

I'd check the spark plug wires for cracks and discoloration. I'd
check the distributor cap for cracks, especially if the problem is
worse when it's humid or raining.

 

Have you tried fuel cleaner in the fuel tank and emptying/replacing the fuel
filter. The filter should be replaced every 60,000 miles. Slackening the screw
on top of the filter housing then opening the plastic tap at the bottom of the
filter will enable any water that has contaminated the fuel to be drained off.
Close tap when neat fuel comes out and retighten screw. You should also check
the Crankcase Ventilation. If you have Exhaust Gas Recirculation fitted you
should thoroughly clean the inlet manifold. Black smoke is caused by too much
fuel and could well be caused by the cold start mechanism not working properly.
This can be caused by the temperature sensor at the back of the cylinder head
having gone duff. You should also check the glow-plugs
and glow-plug relay (with associated 80 Amp fuse).

Cheers, Peter.

: Hi,
: I recently posted a problem similar to this but yesterday it got worse. When
: I turn on my '89 240DL, the car starts trembling (it's a very noticeable
: tremble) and black smoke is coming out of the muffler at the same "rhythm"
: as the trembling (ie. everytime car trembles, black smoke comes out - it's
: not constant smoke). I took it to a Volvo mechanic and he told me that it
: was a problem with the engine block (I think he said water is falling into
: the pistons) so they'll have to take the engine block out and solder a rusty
: piece in it. And it's going to cost me $500+ . I have a bad feeling about
: these mechanics' practices so I wanted to consult with you guys first.
:
: Before yesterday, it used to tremble but, as soon as I gave it gas for a few
: seconds, everything went back to normal (I never noticed if black smoke was
: coming out).
:
: Although I know nothing about cars, I did notice that there's less coolant
: (I filled it about a seek ago) and now it's almost empty.
:
: What do you guys think?
:
: Any help is appreciated.
:
:
: