Started my 240DL and switched into reverse gear before car was in full revs. Car stalled and I have not been able to start it again. Tried several times , pumping gas etc, starting in neutral. Left it overnight to see maybe the engine was "flooded"and tried again in the next afternoon - still no success. The started is working, the engine vibrates but never fully catche up. Any ideas

thanks a lot

 

What year? Auto or manual?

I would check for spark by holding a spark plug wire close to the fender while someone turns the key. Also look inside the oil fill cap and see if the cam is rotating suggesting a good timing belt.

 

How long has it been since the timing belt has been changed?

 

its 1989, 240 DL, 4 cylinder, Auto (sorry for the confusion, i meant turn ignition in neutral gear position)

Not sure when timing belt was done; but at least 1.5 years (since i bought it) . I had some small things done by a certified Volvo mechanic and he says timing belt is fine (2 months ago).

I never had problems with starting. This time was different as i was in a rush and soon after ignition , i put car in reverse gear. Car tried to move and stalled.

 

What year? What year?

 

shoot, sorry 1989

 

I had a starting problem not too lomg ago. Turned out to be a vacuum leak. Check all vacuum lines especially at brake booster.

Danny

 

It wouldn't hurt to remove the oil filler cap, have someone crank the engine, look into the oil filler hole and see if the cam shaft turns. Could be a broken timing belt. Or the timing belt may have skipped a couple teeth.

 

If it's a B230 engine, go to www.stepbystepvolvo.com to download the free guide to troubleshooting 740 no-starts (B230 FT engine).