2 weeks ago, I went to start my 1990 240 DL and as it was turning over a loud clunk occurred and it wouldn't start. After feeling perplexed and wondering what just happened, I tried it again and away I went. This Sunday came around after some driving during the weekend and it made that sound again only this time, it wouldn't start back up. The engine will crank and try to start but won't. So after reading a little bit about non-starts I believe it's been narrowed down to a problem related to the fact that there is no spark at all.

I replaced the following:
- ignition coil
- spark plugs
- spark plug wires
- rotor and distributor

Checked all grounds for corrosion and have found they are all fine.

When testing the ignition with a voltmeter, it read ~13.4 volts, but when I check the spark plug wires for spark there is none. Rotor is spinning and power is going from the battery to the coil but doesn't reach the distributor cap.

Please provide insight and ask any questions to help me get this brick back up and running.

 

There are 4 causes for a no spark in a B230 engine: (1) faulty Power Stage, (2) faulty rpm sensor, (3) faulty ignition coil, or (4) wiring leading to above. Go to www.stepbystepvolvo.com for free guide to 740 no-starts. May help in your situation.

 

http://www.stepbystepvolvo.com/Resou...20No-Start.pdf

That guide had a lot of great info but it is for 740s when mine is a 240.

I'm pretty sure I've narrowed the problem down to something being wrong with the crank position sensor. I'll provide an update later.

Thanks for the help.

 

The crank position sensor is the #1 suspect.

 

Replaced the CPS and car worked great. Then it stopped working while driving. Pushed it back to where we began and found the timing belt not turning. Replaced that it works great. Thanks for all the help fellow Volvo people.