I need help with my 81 GLT wagon. I bought it knowing it has a starting problem. If parked overnight, it usually starts and stays running the second time I key it. After driving and sitting at least 15 minutes, I have to crank and crank and crank it, and once it does start, it runs rough, and once I start driving, it seems like it runs a little rougher than it did when started after sitting overnight. So far I've replaced the fuel pump relay, removed all the fuses and cleaned the terminals, and replaced fuses that we're old or the wrong amperage. I've disconnected the idle air control motor when the car is running, and the idle drops down. I don't think the tank pump has been replaced because the mastic seal under the cargo floor looks factory. Any ideas? Should I hear the fuel pumps when I key the ignition. Right now, when I key it, it cranks over, and when I release the key, I hear a humming sound for about a second (when the car doesn't start).

 

Start here http://www.volvoclub.org.uk/faq/Elec...After_Hot_Soak

and here Engine Tune and Performance

If you've got a 240, those should still help TTBOMK

 

I replaced the fuel filter this weekend. No change. I did try starting the car with the fuse for the in tank fuel pump out, and had the same issue as before, no difference cold or warm. Went to the local pick your part yard to see if the in tank pump was hard to get to. Found a wagon, cut through the mastic seal, removed the round access panel, and all I saw was the tank- no inlet or outlet fittings. I thought the fuel pickup was supposed to be under that cover?

 

Hard warm starts call for a Fuel Pressure Regulator change.
What would a fuel filter do? A FF is only suspect if you are going flat out on the highway and you feel fuel starvation, i.e. sputtering, power loss, etc. Logical, no? Your Fuel Pump sounds like it's working fine, too...

 

Could be your fuel accumulator.
This:
BMW Porsche Volvo Fuel Accumulator - Bosch 0438170007 | FCP Euro

Also check injector o- rings for leaking.

 

Car has been sitting for a little while. Noticed my fuel gauge was lower every time I started the car. Turns out I have a leak under the hood. It looks like one of the lines coming off the fuel distributor has a pinhole, as I can see the fuel squirt out when its running. That looks like it will be a pain in the butt to get to because it sits under the intake manifold. So now I have two issues and a car I cant drive.