I suffered lawn mower syndrome several years ago when we first purchased our '95 855. I moved the car twice while waxing it, later it would not start.

The Volvo tech who got it started told me that the problem was stuck valves.

Because this problem is related to a motor that does not warm up, the problem is stuck exhaust valves as they would be the first parts that would be subjected to any heat when the car first runs - they stick in the cold valve guides.

When you do have LMS, the engine will make some attempts at starting as not all the valves are stuck.

The preferred cure is to fully charge the battery, wait several hours to allow fuel in the cylinders to dissipate, then try to start the car with the gas pedal right on the floor. Crank and crank and crank - do not release the pedal.

My son-in-law had this problem in a used 850 at the Subaru dealer where he works - he called me, and this technique got the car started.

During your failed starting attempts, fuel does get in the cylinders, but this is not your original problem.

Once the car is started, Volvo will put new plugs in the car and change the oil and filter. This precaution avoids the chance of future issues with the car. (customer complaints)
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'96 855R,'64 PV544 driver, '67 P1800 basket case, '95 855, '95 854, the first three are mine, heh, heh, 485,000 miles put on 9 bricks