Hello,

I recently purchased a 81 Volvo 244 that has been having some weird starting issues. The issue im having is that the car starts up completely fine somedays, and others not so much. I've tested when the engine was cold and its pretty inconsistent on an easy vs hard start. Weather doesn't seem to play a factor as to how the car starts up. I've checked for any vacuum leaks using carb cleaner and there doesn't seem to be any leaks as far as I can tell. I recently was able to get the car to pass smog, and the tech told me that my rpm was around 1500 in idle. This is the first car I have ever really tried to work on myself so please bear with me. I attached two videos showing the rough starts and one where it started fine. Any advice would be very appreciated.

things that have been replaced

spark plugs

spark wires

cap and rotor

couple of hoses that were cracked

 

Congratulations. I've owned an ‘81 242 DL since 1986. The smartest thing I did was immediately go to the Volvo dealer and order a complete set of workshop manuals, $100. Then searched for every piece of technical literature I could find. Many of the electrical and mechanical systems are German, Mostly Bosch. Nearly all is now free online.

The worst problems are wiring harnesses with disintegrating insulation inside the outer covering, plastic electrical and trim parts and fluid couplings which have became brittle or corroded all of which are somewhat expensive. Also engine and transmission oil leaks but otherwise 240’s are durable and long lasting.

If not this time, surely you will need some tools. Analog compression gauge, clamp-on timing light, analog multi-meter, voltage and continuity test light, set of 3/8” drive metric sockets with ratchet and extensions, set of metric end wrenches. Spare fusses.

Finally, consider, if the misfire were as simple as wires, plugs, cap, and rotor the seller would have probably done them. Idle should be around 800 rpm in neutral. You need to do a few tests to narrow down the problem to fuel or ignition.

 

Yes and a fuel pressure gauge that can connect to that style of CIS fuel injetion.