I recently bought a 1987 volvo 240 wagon and I love it so far. It starts up really easy when its warm or when its warm outside, but when I start it in the morning, it starts easy, but then turns off. When i start it the second time, it usually stays on. If i pump the gas pedal twice before starting it, it usually stays started. Does anyone know what could be causing this? I would like to fix it so it stays started first try in the mornings? Thank you

 

I'm having a similar problem on my 5spd '93 850. Not as severe though. On chilly mornings in Tampa ( < ~70 degrees), it will almost stall out if I stop within maybe 3 or 4 minutes when the engine's cold. The RPM drops and then picks back up a couple of times, but it's fine after that.

I also have a problem that might be related, where the acceleration isn't consistent, and the car jerks forwards a few times if I give it any gas.

Please let me know if you find out what the trouble could be.

 

Its possible the idle air control valve is sticking and needs to be cleaned. You can remove one of the air lines and use a q-tip soaked with carb cleaner on the "flapper".

I would also measure the resistance of the coolant temp sensor - at 70 deg. F it will be around ~2.5K ohms. Its a blue wire (#2) at the ECU.

Look for any vaccum leaks.