Hey Volvo enthusiasts.
I'm a new member and not adept in cars, but own a Volvo 740 1990 (bought for 700 in Central Washington), I'm quite pleased with, and want to treat well.

It's got an issue.

It turns over after having sat and cooled for awhile.

After driving it even for a short distance, after parking it, it won't immediately turn over. I twist the key and it wants to start, but does not.

I have to let it sit again for awhile, then it turns over again.

Local mechanic did some checks, knows its not sparking, and believes its the distributor than needs to be replaced.

Because I'm not a car person, thought I'd pose this problem on the forum. Essentially I take the mechanics word for it.

Are there some good questions I can ask him?

He wants about 350 to fix the prob (a $125 distributor + the tests and work).

Of course all I want is to fortify my car against this mysterious "spark" problem.

Thank you for any contributions/hints/clarifications...

 

I'd first look at the Crankshaft Position Sensor. If your mechanic is not looking at that, get another mechanic!

 

Thanks for the feedback, Lev.