Hello folks,

I have a 1990 740 GLE auto 2.3L (European).

It recently had a problem that required a new distributor (seal broke letting hot oil into the dist!)

Now I have another problem. While sitting idling in gear, the engine cuts out. Not immediately, but coughs splutters then dies.
I think it happens when idling in neutral, but it seems to recover. It starts immediately when I return the key.

My mechanic checked emissions and tuned it but can't see any reason. Apart from that it runs perfectly!

Any ideas? I'm very fond of this car, but lately its had full service, new shocks (and those supports you can see over the front wheel arch) four new tyres. So I've spent a load but is it just getting too old? (Its only 145K miles)

Rgds,
Eoin

 

An addendum to my problem - the mechanic said "its having trouble breathing" but can't find why?

Rgds,
Eoin

 

Could be fuel pump relay.

 

Hi Tech,

Is this the green relay in the center console above the fuses?

Rgds,
Eoin

 

No it will be a big Double wide looking relay behind the fuses on the Left side.
Also look under the Hood and see if you have a Black relay by the coolant bottle.
If you have 2 relays under the hood and you have an electric fan then one of those relays control the Injectors as well.

 

Found the relay and replaced it with a reportdly working used one - no change.

Theres no relays beside the coolant bottle (the bottle is on the left side as you look in from the front)

However, I do notice what smells and looks like exhaust gas coming out of the dipstick hole when I remove the dipstick. Its also
"pulsing" in time to the engine.

Could I have a gasket problem? Exhaust valve settings?

It feels to me like its electrical? Do I still have a distributor problem?

Rgds,
Eoin

 

Possible a Dist. problem. But I would look at other things first.
Does the Dist have a Sensor in it?
Have you run the car with a fuel guage connected to see if you are loosing fuel when it dies?

 

Aaarrgh!

Already replaced the distributor - the gasket blew and let hot oil into it.
It does have a sensor, but the engine is not stopping while driving.

Compression tests showed fine according to the mechanic (175 bar?)
Dont know if fuel is being lost.

Car is running brilliantly at speed - in fact since the mechanics have been tinkering with it its performing better than ever! --- except for cutting out while idling ...

Sigh ...

Rgds,
Eoin

 

What does the computer say when they pull the codes?

 

Theres no diagnostic unit on my 740. Apparently Volvo decided not to put them in my model (European). The two plugs that would normally plug into the little LED unit are plugged into each other.

The mechanic had a spare unit and when he connected it up, we got nothing - not a flash.

Rgds,
Eoin

 

therez also something called an ignition modulator located in the front right corner of the engine that mine went out and inturn blew out the spark plugs/wires and caused it to cut out in idle and while drving

hope that helps

its an $85 part......

 

hmmmm.....that's no fun.

 

Maybe bad idle motor or miss adjusted throttle body.