My 85' 240 has recently developed awful running symptoms. First of all, it starts very hard, and sometimes dies within the first minute. if i touch the gas during the first minute or so it will just shake, not really increase the rpm much. after it warms up it will drive ok, but a couple times a minute starting about 5 minutes into the drive it will knock or hesitate, casuing the car to jerk around a bit. took it to the mechanic and they said they dont know what it is, and unless im willing to dump alot of money towards their time, they wont be able to figure it out. i hear a buzzing noise by the fuel pump that could be something to do with the problem. i have done a full tuneup within the past 3000 miles, including all filters, plugs, cap, rotor, wires, and the AMF meter. anybody have any ideas?

 

All filters? Did you do the main fuel filter? The fuel pump buzzing is a precursor to failure. I've had 'em buzz for months before failure...also only hours! Could be it!

 

I did the fuel filter towards the end of last winter. Would a buzzing fuel pump cause it to sputter? what would cause the extreme shaking at startup? could it be my injectors? I am now in college and have limited access to a garage let alone a trusted mechanic, and i want to get this sucker running like a champ before the cold sets in and it will become impossible to work on a car outside without freezing. I'l prob go get another fuel filter and do that because that's cheap and easy. Would it be worth replacing the pump due to the buzzing?

 

sounds like a MAF sensor goiing bad

 

i wish it was that, ive cleaned it really well with MAF cleaner and its not the same symptoms the last 3 times the MAF went

 

Did you clean out the throttle body at any point? It sounds like that could be your issue.

 

no but i should, is that relatively easy to do? do you think it would be worth it to just replace the in-tank prepump anyways, seems to be recommended above

 

Not sure about this year, but older models had a cold start injector and thermal time switch, which if faulty, could cause rough running, especially when cold.

 

Replaced the in-tank prepump and that didnt help much, also did air oil and fuel filters, as well as plugs cap and rotor. this is a real mystery to me, anyone got any idea?

 

Did you replace the rubber hose that connects the in-tank pump to the fuel sending unit? That hose must be clamped tightly at both ends. I have had issues with a loose clamp on this hose and had similar symptoms to yours.

P.S. you have to get special hose to use in-tank (submersible). Regular fuel-injection hose will not work...for long. Some Volvo specialists online carry this type of hose, and should be able to get it to you, assuming you need it.

Regards,
Spencer

 

i did not replace that small rubber hose in the pump. it seemed to seal well and all was well. I didnt replace the main fuel pump but im begining to belive that isnt going. it worked for a bit after i replaced the prepump and filters but then the next day it wouldnt turn over. getting good spark, no air issues, and i hear Nothing from the pump (even vibrations) when the cars trying to start. anyone have any suggestions other than replacing this expensive part?

 

If the pump is getting juice and it makes no noise and does nothing, I would say it's pretty safe to assume it's gone. Check the leads for current at the pump, remember the car runs the pump only a few seconds after the car engine quits turning over. You can pop the cover off the relay an override it too.

Also, you had 3 MAF's go bad on you?

 

I actually did have three MAF's go bad. the first one was original i believe, and lasted 25 years, and i had it professionally replaced, then it died again within a month so i obviously got a bad part. i brought it back to the mechanic that did the replacement and he threw in a new one free of charge, and that one also broke. I went back to him and he found another from a different source, (i believe new, not refurb) and it has been doing great for over a year now.

and for my current problem, and the fact that im currently located in northern maine and am in no mood to get under a car out in the snow, i just had it taken to a shop to get dealt with by someone professional

 

just dropped 500$ to a shop who replaced the fuel regulator, several vacuum leaks, several fuel line leaks, and a few other things. it ran fine for a day or so but it still starts, dies a minute later if left to idle (mind you its very cold where i am). when i go to start it again it wont go and seems flooded. anyone have any ideas?

 

It's an 85, so have a look at the condition of the engine wire harness. I hear that they can rot out on older Volvos (87 and younger), but I have no experience. If it's the original harness, it's probably rotting. They made newer harnesses out of better vinyl. I'm not sure where to start looking exactly for this, but I'm sure other people have some experience.

 

similar problem here. i replaced fuel pressure regulator and the plugs, seemed to help a bit, but still the problems. now on very cold mornings (only once so far) it fails to turn over. just cranks and cranks. when it finally DID turn over, i was presented with a check engine light. pulled the codes, COOLANT TEMP. SENSOR. i just posted about this, in fact. the part was only $20, so i'd love to pop it in myself. hope this helps

 

Any idea where the relay lives on an '82 240DL? I've got a car that cranks and has spark, but very little fuel flow at the inlet to the filter under the front hood. Wondering if something is plugged further back towards the tank. Thanks for any advice you may have. Kurt

 

Hey miless1944, I had this exact same problem with my 92 244. I tried everything, sinking tons of $$$ (doing all my own work) to find out the coil was shot. It was emitting spark, but not enough to create combustion. I replaced mine with an MSD blaster 3 my friend had lying around. Been running strong ever since.

 

Where is the fuel filter(s) on a '92 240 wagon pls? 4bnbad, my email is
credit_repair1060@yahoo.com thank you

 

Having a similar issue now, an update now? Or how you fixed it??