Looked at a 94 850 GL (NO turbo) today for purchase. Really nice car, no heistation, great acceleration, no warning lights. Getting out I noticed a pop pop pop continuously out of the exhaust pipe. interior of the pipe is sooty, but no smell or moisture. Very low noise level, almost like a small exhaust leak causing it? not smooth like I expected.

Any comments? Is there an exhaust or engine problem under the surface i am missing, or do the 5 cyl engines do this in this model.

Please advise.

Thanks

No, the exhaust is not supposed to put-put like my 120 does.

It is probably running too rich, which is an indication of old vacuum lines that are starting to crack. Or chunks of carbon buildup on the piston heads which can be removed with Seafoam treatment.

You should check the ATF for color and smell, and if there are any maintenance records. The timing belt is replaced every 70K miles, the tensioner lasts for a very long time but not the tensioner rollers.

Klaus
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Cynthia Amendt, RIP