I just purchased this car from a guy who didn't want to "mess with it." I'm worried that I can't get it to pass smog because in order to start the car, I need to flirt with the gas peddle then once it catches, gas it to 3000 rpm in order for it to stay on. Once it's on it is very quiet and a lot of fun to drive! I was reading some of the other forums and I'm under the impression that if I change the air filter, check the oxygen filters and change the spark plugs and wires I'll be in good shape. The guy I got it from said that the few is too rich in the engine, I bought it on empty, and quickly refueled it. He said he only puts in premium, that that's what I did. When we pulled up to the gas station my boyfriend couldn't get it started and while trying smoked up the whole gas station. It was a lot of grey smoke. Please help! I love this car! Oh and what about a cat?

 

If you're anywhere near El Cajon you could take it in to Auto Tech and have them take a look. It sounds like it has been neglected, maintenance wise. Also sounds like it could be expensive. But at least you'll get an honest estimate on what needs to be done.

 

It's about a hundred miles from where I live, I have to get my plates still before I can legally drive it. Would they be able to help me get it to pass smog? How much does something like that cost?

 

100 miles is too far. I've heard good reports about Volvo Specialists in Escondido. The owner, Dave, has been working on 240s for many years. In an hour, or less, they should be able to diagnose what's wrong. An hour is about $100.

 

Just chock it up to big Gov-ment screwing you again so they can make a buck on smog checks

But as far as getting it fixed. I'd do like the guy above and have it check out at a shop.
Could be anything from fuel delivery to electrical.

new plugs, wires, cap, and rotor would come to mind first if it is a weak spark issue.... plus its probably the cheapest spot to start.

Hows it run after you let the revs drop back down to idle???

 

It sounds like your injectors are stuck open, well actually, instead of a nice spray pattern it hink they are coming out as a stream. Because at lower RPMS the injector needs to atomize the fuel more, as RPM"s raise thats not as important. If it runs up past 3000-3500 RPMS chances are its not a weak spark, thats about the time a weak spark would start to get blown out by air speed. Also chances are your cat will be fine if it can go through the upper RPM range freely.

I would start with getting some Seafoam, running half the bottle through the intake manifold, and the other half put in the gas tank. See where that gets you. Then, check the air filter, and see what it looks like. Replace if necessary. Then I would look into an oxygen sensor as the last resort. They do go bad and cause rich running, but not to the extent you are talking about. Then try to drive it a bit, i realize California has stricter regulations than where I am so it might be tough to drive it. But the day you go to take the car in to get smogged make sure to run it a while before taking it in, to get the cat nice and hot.

 

It runs great, very quiet! It shifts fine and accelerates great, I just want it to pass smog! Grrr!

 

That sounds like great advice! Thank you! I'll let you know how it goes! <3

 

So, how did it go? -cw_volvo

 

I won't know until January 11th. I will absolutely keep up to date! I'm nervous about everything!!!

 

All it took for my 1987 740 turbo was a new air filter. Before that, it would blow out blue-black smoke going up small hills.

 

That's great to know, I'll do that first!

 

Kristen,

Check out www.stepbystepvolvo.com. Its main focus is the 740 Volvo. There might be times you may find the info there useful for your vehicle.