Hi, so I just bought an '83 240 DL for a thousand bucks. Has a salvage title, so I'm not exactly sure what went on with this car at one time, but it runs well and shifts well (4 speed with non operating overdrive button) and has had some recent work done and passed Oregon DEQ with no problem. Thing is, the gas gauge doesn't work and the odometer sorta kinda works.. usually.. So I've run it out of gas twice, (just as I was pulling into a gas station, both times) and sometimes it will still sputter a bit under acceleration, like it does when it's running out of gas. I've read a bit on a fuel pump in the gas tank, or something like that? Forgive my ignorance, but I don't know much about the mechanical aspects of cars. I love cars, I've had dozens, but I just never got into the actual working on it myself stage of it. I just pay other people to do it, and then drive it. Although I would like to also know what to expect with some things, and I pay close attention to my cars, so I always know when something isn't right. So, long story longer, what's you knowledgeable people's opinions, and what should I start to check into replacing?
Thanks!

 

really? nothing? Is there a Volvo forum that people actually use?

 

Yes, yes there is and it's here. You posted in general volvo chat but you are asking a technical question about your 83 240. Not a lot of folks here have or know a lot about 240's so it's wiser to post in the "240" section where you are talking to other 240 people.

 

Oh. Ok. I am not much of a forum user so I don't know all the rules and what not.

 

these cars do have two fuel pumps, a primer pump in the gas tank (along side the fuel level sensor), and the main fuel pump under the car (approximately under the back seat)

if the primer pump is out, the main pump has to work harder, and when the gas is below 1/3rd tank, the engine might stutter from fuel starvation under heavy throttle acceleration.

the in-tank primer pump is on its own fuse, and there's a trick where you jumper two fuses together which will power that pump seperately so you can verify its working (via sound).

 

Welcome to 240's. The problem with the odomerter is usually a little gear that goes bad. Oh wait, perhaps not. This is an '84. What year did they start using the electronic speedometer? It sounds like you gas calibration is pretty darned good considering you just got the car. If you get gas a little earlier that would help. These cars run with a broken in-tank pump, but it does cause some drivability issues. I have not changed one yet. There are some web sites that show how to do it or find a good mechanic that has some familiarity with Volvos.

 

running with a defective in-tank pump will cause excessive wear on the main $$$ pump, which will eventually fail.

re: replacing it... (and, first, TESTING it...)
In the Tank - 240 Volvo Tank Pump and Sender