I have a '92 740 non turbo with Regina FI. Auto trans. This problem has been creeping up on me for months and has morphed over time into the present state, which I describe: It takes 3-5 cranks to start from cold. Often, it will die idling once or twice. If I'm lucky, I can limp away after starting, in 1st gear but only reach 2000 rpm. As soon as the temp gauge gets normal, it will then go over 2000, and I can change up. Alternatively, I can let it idle and warm up first. When warm (or any time) it will not pull below 2000, you have to nurse the throttle and gently coax it over 2000, then it will drive almost normally, but a bit down on power. I have to use the gears manually to get away from rest. Ignition seems good, wires are new. What should I logically check, and in what order ? It would seem that fuel supply is OK as I can eventually reach normal cruising speed. But full throttle does not give the feeling of full power. Any advice appreciated!

Problem turned out to be the fuel pump! Brick is now running very well. My learning is to fix things early and not wait until you are stranded! Thanks for all the advice.

How about trying a new fuel filter?

The symtoms you describe, and the fact that they have come on gradually, suggests a possible restriction in the air supply. Check, and renew if necessary, the air filter. Look for a kinking or collapsing of the accordian hose between the AMM and throttle body. Clean the throttle body. Check the vacuum lines into the throttle body for integrity.

Air filter is very recent. Accordian hose very good, no leaks. There is no AMM - what looks like one is the air temp sensor (Regina FI has no AMM, but uses manifold pressure, temp, (and presumably rpm to determine air flow). Have not cleaned TB, or thoroughly checked vac hoses. Will do !

Any diagnostic codes from the computer? (see the 700/900 FAQ)

How recently was the last "tune up"?

Have you changed the crankshaft position sensor (i.e. replaced the original one)?

-Ryan

--

Athens, Ohio
1987 245 DL 314k, Dog-mobile
1990 245 DL 134k M47, E-codes, GT Sway Bars
1991 745 GL 300k, Regina, 23/21mm Turbo Sway Bars

Ryan, I have not checked the codes. Have to go to a shop I guess (or is there a way of reading them without a code reading device ? Never really had a tuneup since I got it 2 yrs ago. I did replace the plug wires. CPS - no have never touched it. Where is it ?
Art

All you need is a working finger to check the codes. Read in the 700/900 FAQ (pull down menu at upper right corner of this page). Just Look up OBD codes.

-Ryan
--

Athens, Ohio
1987 245 DL 314k, Dog-mobile
1990 245 DL 134k M47, E-codes, GT Sway Bars
1991 745 GL 300k, Regina, 23/21mm Turbo Sway Bars

Thanks Ryan. I will investigate. But there is no check eng light on.

my 89 needed a new power stage.Its the base of the coil,it controls the fuel delivery i believe.or it maybe needs s speed sensor at the back of the engine.
the power stage was about $85,for a no name &works great now.
Also it would be good to put in a set of cleaned injectors,getum from upullit&send them in to a shop&haveem cleaned.

Check those codes. There are at least a handful that won't set off the check engine light.

Once you do that, I'd check for vacuum leaks, the MAP sensor (and nylon hose), intake air temp sensor, coolant temp sensor, O2 sensor, fuel pressure regulator, check for good strong spark, and then perhaps the fuel pump (has the fuel filter been replaced recently?).

-Ryan
--

Athens, Ohio
1987 245 DL 314k, Dog-mobile
1990 245 DL 134k M47, E-codes, GT Sway Bars
1991 745 GL 300k, Regina, 23/21mm Turbo Sway Bars
Buckeye Volvo Club

Changed fuel filter./ Had not been done for a long time by the look of it.
Immediate improvement, but not right, still hesitation. Now today it reverted to as bad as it was !

could be a clogged sock on the fuel intake in the tank,,,,that will the fuel pump to fail,,restricts flow.

You may be on to something. After the momentary tremendous improvement (fuel fiter renewed), it went sick again, and finally refused to start after work. It would fire a few revs but not catch on. So it was towed to Larry's. Larry has some sort of raport with Volvos. As luck would have it, the fuel tank had just hit the low alarm, but I know there is lots left at that point. But Larry is surmising that I have probably burnt out the fuel pump. When he gets around to properly testing, maybe he is right.
Fuel pumps seem to go for about $100, but fuel pump assemblies are about $500! Under what circumstances would you need the whole assembly ?