On Friday I backed up and the car died then when I tried to restart it it only turned over.
Here is what I have done and checked
Gets spark
Timing belt fine
Fuel pump fuse OK
Fuel pump relay looks fine but when I jumper it like described in the haynes
manual the fuel pumps do not come on.
I then jumpered the fuel pumps at the fuse box as described in the haynes manual and both fuel pumps come on.
So I figured if the pumps are running the car should at least try to start but no such luck.
anyone have a clue what could be wrong

 

Sounds like a bad 20A fuse by the battery, the fuel pump relay, or the ignition switch - measure the voltage on the red, and the red-black wire at the pump relay.

 

Does this have a radio suppression relay like the 740? Go to www.stepbystepvolvo.com for free guide to 740 no-starts. May help you with the 240.

 

no radio suppression relays on 240's ...

 

Thanks,
The other day I disconnected the 20A fuse wire because it looked like it was used for the radio. Now that I have the wire back together my fuel pump relay opens and closes , fuel pump both come on , but still no start.

 

That relay contains a second "system relay", make sure its working by measuring the voltage on the air mass meter orange wire. You should also see AC volts on the green-white injectors wires, suggesting the fuel ECU is being powered and opening the injectors.

If that all checks out and you still have spark then maybe check compression.

 

OK I checked all the electric and everything had power.
Mechanic told me to pure a little gas into the hose after the mass airflow sensor and the car did try to start.
Mechanic thinks its the distributor. can anyone confirm this would hate to buy a new one just to figure out thats not it.

 

Comptronix,
my 91 740 died while i was driving, i checked everything as you have done, finally sent to mechanic --- it was distibuter cap and roater -- i was getting spark but it was week so she would not start -- replaced and she is still running strong a year later. TIPSP and bubba 240 are very intel. on volvos they have helped me in the past, try there advice first, if they suggest otherwise.