Hello,

We have a 1983 Volvo 240 DL wagon that recently developed a problem starting. It would have to turn over a long time before it would get going. Two weeks ago, while it was idling at an intersection, it stalled and would not restart.

The local mechanic thought the most likely cause was a fuel supply issue, and we have now replaced the following parts without any improvement:

Fuel pump
Fuel sending unit
Fuel filter
Relays for the fuel injection system
Spark plugs

The mechanic reports that the car has spark and excellent fuel pressure, so it's hard to imagine why it won't start.

If anyone has encountered a similar problem or has suggestions about things we can investigate next, I would be very grateful for the advice. Compared to more modern cars with lots of electronic modules, one would hope that there are a limited number of potential causes for this continuing problem, now that we already have replaced the suspected problem parts.

Thanks,

 

Vacuum leaks could be a culprit. I once had a vacuum leak in my classic beetle which was intermittent. It would start right up, but at stop lights sometimes it would just stall, not being able to be restarted for two or three minutes sometimes. Turns out it was a vacuum hose plug that was holding vacuum sometimes, but not always. Check all your vacuum hoses!