[johnferreira]

my 1980 240 DL has a mysterious starting problem in that it doesn't "not start" regularly.

I have noticed the following, but am uncertain if these really are part of the problem.

Highway driving at night - cool early morning temperatures - car will not start.

I filled the tank yesterday, drove about 67 highway miles, and the car would not start today. It cranks, and seems as if it is not getting fuel. I checked the battery.

My initial thoughts were water in the line, so I used an additive.

I am now beginning to think that I have an intermittent fuel pump problem, but against that idea is that there is never a problem once it is running.

Any ideas or suggests would be greatly appreciated

 

[gdill2]

Re: 240 won't start (johnferreira)

Could be a faulty fuel pump relay. Maybe a failing main fuel pump and/or in-tank fuel pump. Has the car been given a full service lately?

George Dill

 

[nedthevolvo]

Try pushing the accelerator down when you start..

I say this because that's how we start our 240GL - it doesn't want to start properly all the time if you just crank it, but works fine and starts quickly if you give the engine a bit of gas first...

 

[series1000]

Re: (nedthevolvo)

you say that it only happens in cool/ morning times , is there a possibility that theres moisture getting in/under the distributer cap? does it happen more on damp mornings or in wet conditions? steam passing by the cap can cause moistrue as well . just something to think about

 

[series1000]

Re: (series1000)

also listn for a fuel pimp humming or the relay triggering could be somthing simple

 

[240nut]

Re: 240 won't start (johnferreira)

This is not necessarily expensive but one where an expert Volvo mechanic should do the diagnostic, to save you a lot of hassles.

Possibilities:

Air Mass Meter

Fuel Pump Relay

Fuel Pump

Fuel Injector Seals going bad (if it runs rough or requires that you press on the gas pedal to start, it is likely this problem.

Battery losing power cell and not sufficient to turn crank

Bad gas - Volvos are sensitive on gas quality

Bad or fouled spark plugs or faulty plug wires

Bad coil

Bad main fuse

 

[L8APX]

Re: 240 won't start (240nut)

Thanks for your post, the "Hit the gas to start it" symptom is plauging me. I am also kicking up some codes that point to air leaks so this is most helpful.

Gracias

 

[johnferreira]

I was able to get the car started at 11:00. Took it to my mechanic, asked them to keep it for a few days to duplicate the conditions. I will post when we have a resolution.

Thanks for the ideas and suggestions.