Volvo: 1984 Volvo broke down, volvo 240 dl, volvo experience

Question
Hi Ray,

We have a 1984 Volvo 240 Dl.  It has 217,000kms on it and was tuned up a couple of months ago (new spark plugs, etc.)  Yesterday I was driving down the highway going about 100km/h and all of a sudden the car just started slowing down - it's such a busy highway that I couldn't hear if the engine had stopped or not, but it must have because I just coasted to a stop at the side of the road.  I didn't lose control of steering or braking.  The car gave off sort of a rubbery, engine smell (could be burning oil, but reminded me of burning tire rubber).  I looked under the hood, thinking a belt had blown but everything looked fine, and no smoke was coming out.  I tried starting it again, and of course it wouldn't start.  For the past week or so before this, the car was having a slight hesitation between 2nd & 3rd gear... a bit of a "gap" before it shifted.  Any thoughts on what you think the problem is would be very appreciated.  Thanks!

Answer
Jessica,
Test for spark and fuel see what you have and what you don't. Go in that direction. The burning I really can not be sure that it has anything to do with the no start. Are you working on the car or having it towed to a shop that has Volvo experience? Perhaps the alternator locked up and the battery is to low to start the car. The belts could have been slipping over the alternator, yet still there.