Just got the 1985 240 dl from the original owner, who of course never had any problems, and I've been driving it all week with no problems.

Today it wouldn't start - and a quick google search had me check the lil' 30A fuse on the red wire coming from the positive terminal - it was blown - and by total chance I was parked next to a radio shack, which sold 30A fuses - I bought 3 and I thought I was done!

Replaced the fuse, cranked the engine, but wouldn't start - new fuse was blown. Tried 2 more fuses, all blown. The car turns over fine, and "maybe" I think I hear it fire once, maybe, but mostly just cranks. Not really any vroom vroom...just whir whir whir...

Is this a quick and obvious "it's the ol' ___ issue, just replace ____", or is it gonna be many rounds of intermittent dvm testing and electrical parts swapping/testing? I can buy a meter and test if needed, I have an EE so fine with that, but if it could be a goose chase, I may let a local volvo shop in pasadena handle it as I'm new to these cars... (though this is maybe my quick introduction opportunity, was hoping the free ride would last a wee longer..). Would love to fix it myself - so any leads on wiring diagrams too?

Thanks for any input!

- jcc

 

This sounds like an obvious dead short. Obvious to the circuit, not necessarily the eye.
Lucky for you Volvo used biodegradable insulation on the wiring in the mid 80's.
Look at the large gauge wires first at the battery, alternator and starter.
Don't shake the harness any more than is necessary to see what you need to see.
Check this for helpful info on your car. A Haynes manual is useful to have too.
K-Jet.org | Mechanical Fuel Injection Power!
http://www.davebarton.com/index.html
Ed