We just recently (about 3 months ago) replaced the mass airflow sensor on our 1983 240 volvo and since then the car often seems to sputter and almost stall when going into 2nd gear. It doesn't always do this, and we have found that keeping the tank above half helps. I have also noticed that if I pull over and cut off the car and restart it goes along just fine. We took it to the mechanic that replaced the sensor and he couldn't get the car to do it, so it is obviously intermittent. I have had it act similarly when it is extremely hot out or I have been driving it longer distances but the increased frequency is new. Anyway- any thoughts would help. Thank you!

 

teegarterri, this sounds like a failed/failing in-tank fuel pump. It is a common problem with the 240's as they age. Your mechanic may not know there are two pumps. Here's a test that you can do; while the car is running, put your ear to the gas filler tube with the cap off and listen for a slight humming sound. If it goes up and down in pitch, goes on and goes off or is completely absent, have that internal pump replaced . Maybe even a wooden dowell or long screwdriver pressed against the side of the tank from underneath the car and held to an ear can hear if it's humming. You should also listen in the same way to the main fuel pump that is located under the car by the driver's rear wheel. If it has any of the above sounds, it may be failing. Also, when was the fuel filter changed?. The car usually will run ok with a bad internal pump for a while; you just have to keep a near full tank of gas. However the main pump has to work harder than it should and may soon fail. Then the car wont run.
By the way, welcome to the forum. I don't know if this 240 is a car you just aquirred, or had for a while. This forum has a lot of very knowledgable people on board, and a few hours perusing the posts can give you a wealth of information on how to keep your old Volvo running without taking it to the stealership.
Also be aware that there is a section here dedicated just to the 240, 740 and 940 models. Your next posts re this car should be initiated there; the experts who are into the RWD models visit there more frequently than this section. This post may be moved there by a moderator.

 

Thank you so much for the welcome and extremely helpful answer Sambar Stag. I bought the car about a year and a half ago- it was a steal at only 1500 and 90,000 miles- and has been an excellent car ever since. Before this I did have another 240 that had constant problems- one of which was an internal fuel pump so I had slight suspicions this may be the problem but don't quite know enough to be sure. We replaced the external fuel pump about a year ago. Thank you again!