helpppppppp my volvo 96 850 tdi has coughed her last breath and it was white smoke was black before that is she dead or can she be brought back cheapish. would hate to lose her any suggestions??? thanks in advance tara

You may need to look into the engine and make some observations here.

White smoke, maybe you are losing oil. Are you?

Check the coolant expansion tank, is it dark with oil mixture?

How is your maintenance schedules, are they on track?

HI,
I POINTED OUT THE BLACK SMOKE TO THE GARAGE AND THE FACT THAT SHE NEEDED WATER EVERY THREE WEEKS..
I BOUGHT FROM A FRIEND 4 MONTHS AGO she has a full service history.
THEN LENT MY BABY OUT FOR A 400 MILE RUN being told that nothings wrong with my car .
I GET THE PHONE CALL ASKING WHY THE HEATERS NOT WORKING IMMEDIATLY THOUGHT WATER SHE WAS EMPTY AND THE TEMP GAUGE WAS HALF WAY (GAUGE NEVER EVER MOVED BEFORE) I GOT HER HOME AND DISCOVERED A LEAK ON THE FRAME OF RADIATOR NO WATER AND NEEDING WATER EVERY 20 MINS WENT TO GARAGE THEY SAY CYLINDER HEAD GASKET NEEDS CHANGED BUT THEY DIDN'T LOOK BECAUSE THE RADIATOR WASN'T SEALED FOR A COMPRESSION TEST(BUT ESTIMATED 1000.00 euros would fix her)
THE NEXT DAY FILLED HER WITH WATER AGAIN AND TRYED TO LEAVE FOR SCHOOL
SHE WAS HARD TO START but DID SHE HAD WHITE SMOKE AND STEAM COMING OUT OF EXHAUST AND POWER COMING AND GOING THEN I KNEW I HAD TO PARK HER UP. SHAME I HADN'T DONE IT BEFORE. SHE JUST FLEW THROUGH HER MOT/ NCT 3 MONTHS AGO SHE'S GREAT BUT I DON'T HAVE 1000.00 TO FIX HER I'M HOPING I CAN DO IT MY SELF WITH THE CORRECT TOOLS AND SOME INSTRUCTION..
THANKS FOR READING THIS AND I HOPE I'VE EXPLAINED PROPERLY



TARA

First, you'll need to fix the radiator first. If you dont, it will continue to bleed water out.

Chances are that, when overheated, the heat has burnt the gasket first. But you need to further ascertain if you are also losing oil. Please check the oil level.